Giving Back, Giving Blood: Aptive Employees Help Save Lives One Pint at a Time

Earlier this month, Aptive partnered with Inova Blood Donor Services, Inova Health System, to host a blood drive that united employees in a shared mission to give back. What seemed like a simple act of donating blood became a powerful reminder that even the smallest contributions can make a profound, life-saving difference.

Aptive Cares Chair Tara Murray organized the Old Town Blood Drive with Inova staff to support Blood Cancer Awareness Month and those battling blood cancers. On Thursday, September 12, employees lined up outside the mobile blood donation unit on North Royal Street in Alexandria, Virginia. With each pint donated, employees knew they were contributing to something far greater than themselves — a chance to save a life.

As one donor put it, “It’s something easy I can do to help someone, and if I can, why shouldn’t I?” For every pint of blood given, up to three lives can be saved, a statistic that left many feeling humbled by their ability to make such a difference with so little effort. It’s a simple act, yet its ripple effect is far-reaching.

Beyond the numbers, there were stories that truly touched the heart. The blood donation bus, which parked outside Aptive’s headquarters, was driven by William “Bill” Counts, a retired metro bus driver. Bill never imagined that after 20 years of driving city routes across the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, he would find himself behind the wheel of a vehicle that would change lives so directly. After two years of driving for Inova, he still feels humbled with every trip. His journey serves as an affecting reminder that there are always new ways to give back.

William “Bill” Counts

Inova Blood Donation Bus Driver

Kat Dame

Aptive Vice President, Workforce Development

Aptive Cares Executive Sponsor

Many volunteers spoke of the personal significance behind their participation, with some inspired by our work supporting Veterans and frontline health care providers. Aptive Vice President of Workforce Development Kat Dame, who is also executive sponsor of Aptive Cares, captured it best: “What did I do today? I saved a life.”

Thanks to the efforts of our donors, the blood drive saw 22 pints of blood donated, potentially saving 66 lives.

Aptive continues to inspire to make a difference in surrounding communities through programs like Aptive Cares and to foster a culture where service is not only encouraged but embraced as a fundamental part of its mission.