East Hempfield Township Police Department (PD) has participated in the Bleed Blue Challenge since the initiative's inception. "We want to support Penn Medicine LG Health in its quest to get donations, especially in a pandemic year," explained Lt. Jen Brubaker. "The blood stays local. It's a way to give back to the community."

The Bleed Blue Challenge is a program of the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health (LG Health) Blood Donor Center and is running from Jan. 4 to Friday, Jan. 29. During the initiative, participating police departments are encouraging members of their staffs and their communities to give blood at LG Health blood drives and at the center, 2104 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 202, Lancaster.

Blood donor recruiter Anita Blizzard introduced the Bleed Blue Challenge with four PDs two years ago. It has grown to include 15 PDs this year: Manheim Township, East Hempfield, East Lampeter, Columbia Borough, Millersville Borough, Millersville University, Lancaster City, Lititz Borough, West Hempfield, Northwest Regional, Mount Joy Borough, Pequea Township, Quarryville Borough, Strasburg Borough, and Pennsylvania State Police, Troop J. A total of 80 units were received during the challenge in 2020, with Millersville University PD receiving credit and a plaque for the most donors.

LG Health aims to keep 200 units in stock at all times, Blizzard noted. "What they did last year was really good. With more police stations involved, you'd assume that you'd do even better (this year)," she said.

Brubaker and other police officers planned to donate blood during the Bleed Blue Blood Drive on National Law Enforcement Day, Jan. 7. "Our first responders and police are great leaders in caring for our community. This effort is one more contribution they are willing to make," said LG Health director of laboratory operations Brian Stambaugh.

To participate in the Bleed Blue Challenge, individuals may make an appointment by visiting http://lancastergeneralhealth.org/lgh/our-services/blood-bank/about-us/blood-drives.aspx or by calling 717-544-0170, option 1. Donors must be age 16 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, have no history of hepatitis, and not have received tattoos or body piercings within the last three months. Individuals should be well hydrated and have eaten a substantial amount within four hours before donating.

Those who have had COVID-19 may donate if it has been at least 28 days since diagnosis and they have no symptoms. Blizzard noted that COVID-19 is not spread through blood, but the donor center wants to reduce risk of infecting staff members and other donors. All potential donors will receive a thermal screening and be asked a series of questions. Everyone must wear a mask. Masks will be provided for those who do not have them.

Readers who have questions or concerns may call the blood donor center at 717-544-0170, option 2.