Westerly High graduate Dylan Tallardy has donated six gallons of blood — likely setting a local record for youth blood donors
NARRAGANSETT, R.I. – On Monday, June 16, Westerly High School graduate Dylan Tallardy made his 50th blood donation at Rhode Island Blood Center’s (RIBC) South County Donor Center, a milestone that is almost unheard of among teenage donors.
At just 18 years old, Dylan has already donated an astonishing six gallons of blood, far surpassing the eligibility requirement, for RIBC’s Gallon Grad program, which recognizes students who donate at least eight times before graduating high school.
Dylan began donating blood at age 16, and routinely travels over 30 minutes to the the donor center in Narragansett to give blood and platelets—an extraordinary level of commitment for a teenager. His 50th donation came just days after his high school graduation, and he’s believed to be among the most prolific young blood donors in state history.
Rhode Island Blood Center Executive Director Nicole Pineault and Marketing Coordinator Andrew Menard congratulated Dylan on his unprecedented milestone. In addition, RIBC Account Manager Heather Robenhymer presented Dylan with a “Gallon Grad” certificate at Westerly High’s final assembly just before the end of the school year.
High school students like Dylan play a critical role in maintaining a stable blood supply, especially during the summer months when school-hosted blood drives are on pause. If you’re 16 or older and meet the eligibility requirements, now is the perfect time to follow Dylan’s lead and become a lifesaver. Make an appointment today at ribc.org.