Community members have a choice of dates in June
No matter when you give, blood donations help others
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

June seems to be considered the giving month as the Carroll County community has a choice when and where to donate their valuable blood.

Two blood drives are participating in a state-wide initiative, "Fallen Officers Blood Drive Campaign," sponsored by Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.).

The Indiana Blood Center, located in Lafayette, is hosting a drive June 12 at the Wabash and Erie Canal Interpretive Center from 3 to 7 p.m. The campaign is supported by Carroll County Sheriff's Office to honor fallen officers in Indiana who have made the ultimate sacrifice. State Trooper Todd Burman from Delphi, who lost his life in 1993, and Pulaski County Deputy Shad Bassett, who died in 2005, are to be honored with this drive. Bassett was a member of a Delphi church congregation and had many friends in the area.

"Someone's donation at the blood drive could be the one donation that helps save an officer's life," Indiana Blood Center Field Representative Chris Crane said.

According to a press release from IBC, 146 law enforcement officers lost their lives in 2005. So far in 2007, 63 police officers have died.

The sheriff's office is encouraging all emergency response agencies and the general community to participate in Carroll County C.O.P.S. Blood Drive by donating a pint of blood.

IBC is a not-for-profit agency through which life saving blood and blood components are supplied to Lafayette hospitals and over 50 member hospitals throughout Indiana. The blood center supports efforts to supply blood products to first level treatment facilities for the troops overseas.

But another chance to donate two days later exists in the community.

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a drive June 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Honan Hall in Delphi. Presenting Red Cross donors will receive a tee shirt.

Janice Starnes, widow of Sgt. Daniel Starnes, who was killed in the line of duty in 2001 and is co-president of C.O.P.S., supports everyone's efforts to give blood.

"It is my dream to have this statewide blood drive," Starnes said in a press release.

Starnes said organizing the initiative is one way she can give back, pay tribute to and support men and women serving our communities.

"Many of Dan's friends and family kept asking how they could help and I just did not know," Starnes said.

After watching her husband receive a blood transfusion, she realized there was a way for others to help.

"I ask that everyone please understand the importance of this worthwhile cause and help promote Indiana's first state-wide blood drive," Starnes said. "Honoring our fallen officers will mean the surviving family members will have the comfort in knowing the sacrifice their officer made will never be forgotten," she said.

All donors must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health. Donors are asked to produce photo identification prior to donating.

No appointment is necessary to donate at the IBC drive. For information call (800) 632-4722.

The Red Cross requests donors make a donation reservation by calling (800) 448- 3543.