Health and Fitness : LIFESERVE BLOOD CENTER & IOWA C.O.P.S. HOST BLUE BLOOD DRIVES

LifeServe Blood Center is asking community members to show their support for local law enforcement January 8- 13 during the blood center's annual Blue Blood Drive.

LifeServe Blood Center is partnering with Iowa C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) to host special blood drives across the tristate area the week of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. This Blue Blood Drive week honors law enforcement officers while providing much needed blood donations to community hospitals.

"Whether it's a personal injury, motor vehicle accident, or other traumatic situation, far too often we are the ones who see the need for blood firsthand," said Lieutenant Brent Kock, West Des Moines Police Department. "We are pleased to continue our partnership with LifeServe to support the community blood supply and bring people together in honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation and Iowa C.O.P.S."

The Blue Blood Drive will be held at every LifeServe Donor Center the week of January 8-13. Donors who roll up a sleeve to give the gift of life and show their support will receive a free limited-edition police themed squeeze ball! For more information on hours and locations or to book your appointment, visit www.lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800-287-4903.

Iowa Concerns of Police Survivors, C.O.P.S. provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty as determined by Federal criteria. Iowa C.O.P.S. provides training to law enforcement agencies on survivor victimization issues and educates the public of the need to provide ongoing support to the law enforcement profession and its survivors. Iowa C.O.P.S. is honored to partner with LifeServe Blood Centers to help replenish Iowa's blood supply and to bring awareness to the many benefits of blood donation.

We thank you for your participation in the Iowa Blue Blood Drive and encourage you to visit the new Iowa C.O.P.S. web page at iowacops.org to view our Fallen Heroes, check out the On-Line store or to make a Donation.

LifeServe Blood Center is a non-profit, community-based blood center that has served the needs of local hospitals and patients in our regions since 1947. As one of the 15 largest blood centers in the country, LifeServe Blood Center provides blood products to 161 hospitals primarily in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. LifeServe is committed to saving lives by providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients. Your donation with LifeServe will help save your neighbor, a friend or family member or a stranger on the street. You make a difference in your community.