CCSD honors fallen officers with blood drive
Comet staff report

The Indiana Blood Center, in partnership with the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, held a blood drive June 12 as part of statewide efforts to honor fallen Indiana officers. The statewide group Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) organized the event.

A total of 11 pints of blood were donated during the drive. The units will be broken down into red blood cells, plasma and cryoprecipitate, then used to help up to 33 different patients.

"We couldn't have asked for a better champion for the cause," Chris Crane said, speaking as field representative for the blood center and referring to Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Tobe Leazenby. "Deputy Leazenby realizes the need for blood, as do all those who work for emergency response agencies. These men and women of the EMS, fire departments and law enforcement agencies also understand the vulnerability of the positions in which they serve. It was an honor working with this department for the memorial drive."

As sole provider to the hospitals of Greater Lafayette, the blood center is charged with providing over 900 units of blood a month. Crane said as usage continues to rise, the center looks to communities who utilize those hospitals for support.

"The people of Carroll County have a strong sense of community and are there for their neighbors," Crane continued. "This shows in their long history of involvement in the support of blood donation efforts."

"Giving is a part of the fabric of Carroll County communities and I know we can count on their support in the future," she concluded. Delphi students to help host drive

Delphi students Amanda Spurgeon, Matt Keen, Amanda James and Britney Tyner were involved in blood drives during the past school year.

Now they have put aside other summer plans to help organize a drive to be held July 10 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretive Center.

In an effort to attract more teenagers to donate, each donor will receive a music download gift card. Indiana Beach free ride passes will be given as door prizes. Music and games will also be part of the event.

Although the drive targets teens, it is open to the community.

To learn more about the blood center or how to host a blood drive to benefit Greater Lafayette hospitals, contact Crane at (765) 446-7809 or log on to www.indianablood.org.