Iowa chapter of C.O.P.S. encourages donors to give blood

December 29, 2022 — This January, the American Red Cross, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), and the Iowa chapter of C.O.P.S are joining forces to boost the blood supply and help save lives through a series of Blue Blood Drives.  C.O.P.S. provides resources to help families and co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty cope with the sacrifices of their loved ones. This partnership provides members a meaningful way to support the community by hosting blood drives across the nation and raising awareness about the constant need for blood.

Eligible donors are invited to make a difference through this special partnership by giving blood at various locations throughout Iowa. These locations include:

• 1/9/2023: American Legion Post 735 (207 Robins, Rd., Hiawatha, Iowa), Noon-5 p.m.
• 1/10/2023: St. Mary’s Hall (102 East Penn St., Williamsburg, Iowa), 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• 1/10/2023: Community Reformed Church (747 B, N. 12^th St., Clinton, Iowa), 1-6 p.m.
• 1/10/2023: Quad County Admin Office (300 Crawford, Galva, Iowa), 1-6 p.m.
• 1/10/2023: First Christian Church (201 W. Monroe, Mount Ayr, Iowa), 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• 1/11/2023: Iowa City Library (123 South Linn St., Iowa City, Iowa), Noon-4 p.m.
• 1/11/2023: The Crew Center (601 Snyder Road, Woodbine, Iowa), Noon-6 p.m.
• 1/11/2023: Lewis Community Center (400 W. Main St., Lewis, Iowa), Noon-5:30 p.m.
• 1/12/2023: Berndes Center (766 N. Maple St., Monticello, Iowa), 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• 1/12/2023: Atlantic YMCA (1100 Maple St., Atlantic, Iowa), Noon-6 p.m.
• 1/12/2023: Community Center (202 W. South St. Greene, Iowa), 1-6 p.m.
• 1/13/2023: Boyd Building (303 Cherry St., Shell Rock, Iowa), Noon-5 p.m.
• 1/14/2023: St. Patrick Catholic Church (4 Valley View Dr., Council Bluffs, Iowa), 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

January is National Blood Donor Month, a time that can be challenging to collect enough blood for patients in need. Severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can often prevent regular donors from being able to give. The traditional decline in blood donations during the winter months come as the blood supply already faces challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic. Required medical treatments and emergencies don’t pause for a widespread coronavirus outbreak. “The Iowa chapter of C.O.P.S is happy to partner with the Red Cross to help keep the blood supply stable during the winter months,” said, Lieutenant Brent Kock, Patrol Division, West Des Moines Police Department. Additionally, January 9 has been dedicated as National Law Enforcement Day. For questions on the Iowa chapter for C.O.P.S., please contact Lieutenant Brent Kock at 515-222-3357.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

The American Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January during National Blood Donor Month to invite football fans and blood donors to join a lifesaving team and score big for patients in need. All who come to give Jan. 1-31, 2023, will be automatically entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

About C.O.P.S.

Concerns of Police Survivors is a nationwide not-for-profit organization that has held the mission of rebuilding shattered lives for 35 years. With 55 chapters across the country, members of C.O.P.S. are always prepared to help survivors when they need it, where they need it. C.O.P.S. has a national membership comprised of more than 48,000 families who have identified themselves as survivors. Unfortunately, that membership continues to grow as an average of 140-160 officers die each year in the line of duty.