For the second year, the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center has teamed up with the Kentucky Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), McLean County Sheriff’s Office, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and the Owensboro Police Department in order to host a series of Back the Blue Blood Drives in celebration of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD), Thursday.
“Last year it was all at the Center,” said Vicki Ellis, director of donor resources. “This year, we really wanted to make it a regional effort, so we looked at other law enforcement departments in the area.”
Bloodmobile schedule:
McLean County Sheriff’s Office, rescheduled for 10 a.m. Feb. 5.
Hancock County Sheriff Office, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesday
Owensboro Police Department, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursday
Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday
OPD Lieutenant Adam Johnston said he has been donating blood since he was in high school and that his father and family members continue to donate as well.
“I donate because it helps save lives — it’s also a family tradition,” Johnston said. “With every blood donation, three lives can be saved.”
The Owensboro Blood Center located at 3015 Old Hartford Rd. will be open 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Thursday for anyone who wishes to Back the Blue.
“This is a really special and unique way to remember that these guys protect us and put their lives on the line for us,” Ellis said. “This organization supports the families of those that didn’t make it.”
