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‘Blue Blood’ drive inspires first responders and locals to make blood donations

TR PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY Carl Shadden of rural Marshalltown makes a double-red blood cell donation while watching television Thursday at the LifeServe Blood Center, 3109 S. Center St.

First responders — from ambulance crews to fire fighters to policeman — see the need for blood 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

On Thursday, area first responders and residents showed up at the LifeServe Blood Center, 3109 S. Center, to help contribute to the cause.

It was part of the second annual “Blue Blood Drive” sponsored by LifeServe and Iowa Concerns Of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.).

Marshalltown Chief of Police Mike Tupper was thrilled several from the MPD donated.

“I am blessed to work daily with professionals who are committed to public service,” Tupper said. “Blood donations are the gift of life. While I am not surprised our police strongly supported this effort, I nonetheless appreciate their time and willingness to give back to a community that gives us so much. Outstanding job everyone!”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A police motorcade honoring a fallen officer.

Marshall County Emergency Management Director Kim Elder spoke on behalf of the large number of volunteer first responders county-wide.

“First responders are so used to doing things without getting a thank you,” Elder said. “So it is refreshing LifeServe and Iowa C.O.P.S honored and recognized them today. It truly was a ‘win-win’ for all, with recognition for responders and LifeServe seeing an increase in needed blood supply.”

Donors received a free tee-shirt and a complimentary doughnut as well.

Iowa C.O.P.S. is a not-for-profit organization honoring law enforcement killed in the line of duty, their survivors and co-workers affected.

All funds raised remain in Iowa.

LifeServe is a non-profit, community-based blood center that has served the needs of local hospitals and patients since 1963.

As one of the 15 largest blood centers in the country, LifeServe is the sole provider of blood and blood products to more than 120 hospitals located across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. LifeServe is committed to saving lives by providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients. A donation with LifeServe helps neighbors, friends, family members and strangers.

Blood donors are vital during the winter months. Holiday plans, winter weather and flu season all decrease the blood supply, but blood is still needed by hospitals, such as UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown.

For more information contact 800-287-4903 or visit www.lifeservebloodcenter.org.

CRITICAL NEED:

LifeServe Blood Center is in critical need of blood types B+ and O-, according to the center’s website. Critical is described as having less than a two-day supply.

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Contact Mike Donahey

at 641-753-6611 or

mdonahey@timesrepublican.com.

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