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Dallas County honors Parks volunteers and proclaims National Blood Donor Month
Summary
The Commissioners Court recognized volunteers from the Dallas County Parks and Open Space program and adopted a resolution observing January as National Blood Donor Awareness Month; county staff and Red Cross officials described local volunteer contributions and upcoming blood drives.
The Dallas County Commissioners Court on Jan. 6 adopted resolutions recognizing volunteers in the Parks and Open Space program and declaring January National Blood Donor Awareness Month.
Mia Whittam, Dallas County Open Space Administrator, told the court that the county's 21 nature preserves span more than 4,000 acres and rely on volunteer help for maintenance and outreach. "One of the most valuable things a person can give is their time and energy, and they chose to give that to the Dallas County Parks and Open Space Program," Whittam said, noting volunteer activities such as removing over 300 tires, clearing thousands of pounds of trash, managing pollinator gardens and removing invasive species.
Commissioner John Wiley Price thanked volunteers and suggested the county quantify volunteer labor savings; staff and volunteers cited an estimated $16,000 in volunteer time over the last two years.
Separately, the court adopted a resolution recognizing National Blood Donor Awareness Month. Robeep Santos of the American Red Cross thanked the court and said Dallas County hosted three blood drives in 2025, collecting 70 units of blood that could potentially save up to 210 lives. Dallas County HHS staff announced a county blood drive scheduled for Feb. 19, 2026, in the ceremonial room on the sixth floor.
Ending: Commissioners thanked volunteers and partners and encouraged residents to participate in upcoming blood drives and volunteer events in county preserves.
