More than 500 Newport News Shipbuilding employees are registered American Red Cross blood donors. January is National Blood Donor Month, during which donors are thanked and celebrated for their lifesaving contribution of blood and platelets.

Shipbuilder Joseph Brackin (E33) has donated blood since high school. Now, close to 45 years later, he has given more than 14 gallons of blood.

“I started donating as a senior in high school in 1979,” Brackin said. “A friend mentioned that he was donating and said it was no big deal. I started donating for purely selfish reasons. They would let you leave school to drive to the Red Cross donation center, plus there were cookies.”

When Brackin started working at the shipyard in 1984, he learned that the company hosted blood drives and employees were encouraged to participate. A time charge was provided then and is still a benefit of the program. Donors used to be transported to the Julius Conn Gym for blood drives, but on-site blood drives are now available in the yard and at surrounding buildings.

“My reason for giving blood is simple. When people need blood, they really NEED blood,” Brackin said. “Someday, I or someone I care about, may need blood, and I’d like to think that it will be available because someone took the time to donate.”

Brackin encourages everyone who can donate to consider doing it. He explained that the whole process takes about an hour with the blood draw lasting about 15 minutes. The Red Cross staff does a mini physical before you donate to check vitals, a quick check of your blood and reviews your questionnaire. Side or after effects are rare and minimal, and Brackin added, “The staff pampers you throughout the process.”

NNS hosted 26 blood drives in 2023 and collected 893 units of blood. The local Red Cross relies heavily on the generosity of NNS employees to maintain its supplies. There is currently an emergency shortage of blood. If you want to know more about the blood drive program at NNS and future blood drive dates, visit the MyNNS Blood Drive site.