Ohio man tours the states promoting blood donation

Fargo, ND W(DAY TV) - Donating blood, it's simple, quick and many times painless, but for one Ohio man, it's become his retirement mission to keep giving. Every two seconds, someone in the nation needs blood. And an important part of the blood is the platelets. One Ohio man is on a nationwide mission to raise awareness.

For 71-year old retiree Al Whitney, this donation in Fargo is nothing new. The location is different, but the process is the same one he's now done in 31 states. Whitney started his self funded cross country tour of blood banks in 2007.

He's hoping to raise awareness about donating one person at a time. Each person he talks with he asks are you a donor? And one of the most common responses back he doesn't buy.

From his 31st stop here in Fargo, he's off to his 32nd stop in Rapid City, South Dakota. Whitney expects it'll take him at least another year to hit all 50 states.