"(Blood) is definitely a need at any time of the year, but with everything going on with COVID, it's at a critically low level," said Strasburg Borough Police Department (PD) Officer Robert Burns, explaining why he is excited his department is participating in the Bleed Blue Challenge. "Anytime you can inject an amount of fun ... and drive up the amount of blood in storage ... it's better."

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. 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.

Encouraging blood donations is "a no-brainer," Millersville Borough PD Lt. Jeffrey Margevich commented, adding, "It saves lives. That's the whole key."

"Donating blood is an interesting way to help the community," Pequea Township PD Chief John Michener remarked. "You never know who you might be saving. It could be your own (life) or your family member's."

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.