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Community urged to donate blood during National Law Enforcement Week 

 

LANDRUM––In recognition of National Law Enforcement Week, the Blood Connection urged the community to give back to their local law enforcement by donating blood.

In honor of police putting their lives on the line every day to protect the community, the Blood Connection partners with local police departments to offer the community a chance to donate blood and help those who might need it in times of work emergencies.
 

Recently, a Greenville police officer was shot in the line of duty and needed a blood transfusion after multiple wounds to his arm and hand. The officer was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he was given several units of blood. His life was saved, thanks in part to those who donated to The Blood Connection.

That is just one of several stories that demonstrate how the Blood Connection aids in saving the lives of law enforcement officers, and the lives of anyone in need of blood in an emergency situation. 

The Blood Connection states that they need at least 600-800 units of blood from donors each day to maintain hospital needs. They provide blood products to more than 100 hospitals in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. 

From May 15 to May 21, the Blood Connection teamed with local law enforcement in the spirit of saving more lives together, and also to honor local police during this national week of recognition.

 
On Friday, the Blood Connection was stationed at Landrum Police Department from 2 – 7 p.m. During the week, they made appearances throughout Spartanburg, Greenville, Laurens, and Pickens County.

Sergeant Jamey Shehan of LPD says, “We are honored that the Blood Connection is partnering with local police departments for blood drives. With this profession, we would lay our life down for those we protect, and often we refer to the Bible verse where Jesus stated, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:3.’”

Sergeant Shehan goes on to say, “We consider the citizens we serve as friends and would lay our life down to protect the ones we care about. With that, the Blood Connection is pivotal in supplying needs for patients that need blood, and often it’s because of traumatic injury.”

He says that LPD knows what traumatic injury looks like, and they see it almost every day.

Visit thebloodconnection.org to see upcoming drives and events where you can donate blood.