Versiti - Darryll Fortune | Impact Stories
 

Darryll Fortune

“The African American community particularly needs blood donors. Our community aren’t regular donors, and we should be.”

Darryll Fortune

Darryll Fortune first began donating blood in the ‘90s, when the company he worked for turned blood donation into a friendly competition among departments. “The first time I donated, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s it?’ It’s just a quick poke,” he says. “I’ve been a regular donor ever since.” Now, Darryll and his wife donate at blood drives at their church and workplaces, always keeping in mind the constant need for blood.

“I’ve been in enough hospitals to know that there’s always a need for blood,” Darryll says. “It’s inevitable that someone close to you, friend or family, will need a blood transfusion. Why not donate?”

Darryll is also passionate about encouraging members of the African American community to donate blood for patients suffering from sickle cell disease and other illnesses. “The African American community particularly needs blood donors,” he says. “Our community aren’t regular donors, and we should be.”

“I donate because I know there is a need!” he adds. “Doesn’t matter who you are or why you need it, but if I can’t take 30 minutes out of my day to do this, then I can’t earnestly talk about giving back, humanity and doing good.”


People need people, make a difference in someone’s life by donating blood.

We must rely on each other for the gift of blood, and patients in your community rely on the generosity of Versiti’s blood donors to help. Please consider scheduling an appointment to donate. If this is your first time, donating blood is quick, easy and relatively painless. And, it is a great way to give back and help patients in your community.


Impact Stories | Blood Donation

 
Amy Melwing
Amy, her sisters and her mother donate blood in memory of her father, who received blood products during his battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
 
Treyneil Hardmon
Tratavia’s son Treyneil was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth and has received chronic blood transfusions on and off throughout his life. Tratavia encourages members of the African American community to donate and save lives like her son’s.
 
Catherine Filar
Cathie received blood after surviving a horrific car accident that took the lives of her mother and newborn daughter. Now, Cathie donates her precious O negative blood so that it might save someone else’s life.
 
Blood Donation FAQs
Read frequently asked questions involving donor eligibility, donation process, blood safety, platelet donation, plasma donation and more.
 
Types of Donations
Volunteer to donate blood at a blood donation center near you. Find out how often you can donate blood and make an appointment to donate today.
 
Importance of Diverse Donors
Diverse blood donations improve blood transfusion outcomes for sickle cell patients and diverse blood recipients. Make an appointment to donate blood.
 
Where to Donate Blood Near You
There are may options where you can make your blood, platelet, or plasma donation. Your donations provide hospitals in your community with precious blood products that patients desparately need.