Rep. John Edwards Donates 100th Gallon to RI Blood Center

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. -- Representative John Edwards (D-District 70, Portsmouth, Tiverton) joined an elite club Saturday, becoming one of just five people to donate 100 gallons of blood to the Rhode Island Blood Center. RIBC presented Edwards with a plaque following his landmark 800th donation.

Edwards has been donating blood since 1999, and made his first platelet donation in 2005. He currently gives triple platelet donations every two weeks.

"Jay, it’s hard to find words to express our gratitude for your unwavering dedication to saving lives, not to mention your passionate advocacy for blood donation," RIBC said in a Facebook post. "We are simply in awe of the way you show up to help someone else in Rhode Island and beyond...with a smile on your face every time."

Edwards has served as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives since 2009, and currently serves as the Majority Whip.

The four other RIBC 100 gallon donors are Michael Crepeau, Joe Pailthorpe, Malcolm Grant, and Jeanne Sylvestre.

RIBC accepts blood and platelets donation at their locations in Providence, Warwick, South County, Woonsocket, Westerly, and Aquidneck Island. To schedule an appointment, call 800-283-8385 or visit their website.

Photo Credit: Rhode Island Blood Center