Cascade Regional Blood Services recognized the Bonney Lake branch of Columbia Bank and the Lions Club for their continued support of the organization.
“We thank the staff at the bank for hosting us and for marketing support, location, facility use,” said Cari Dixon, the assistant director of donor resources.
The Bonney Lake community blood drive, held from 1 to 6 p.m. each Friday at Columbia Bank, is one of four weekly events hosted by Cascade Regional Blood Services.
“The community rallies around this program every Friday,” Dixon said.
Since the start of the drive in early 2007, more than 4,400 people have donated blood. Last year, 772 people donated.
While Columbia Bank supplies a location for the Bloodmobile, a vehicle that allows the organization to collect blood anywhere, the Lions Club helps by spreading the word and recruiting donors.
“When a group supports our efforts and spreads the word, it can make for a successful partnership,” said Rita Wells, a community relations specialist at Cascade Regional Blood Services.
Annette LaPlant of Bonney Lake donates blood whenever she can, and that happens to be every eight to 10 weeks.
“If I can help save a life, then I would love to do that,” she said. “It’s not difficult; it’s very easy.”
The process only takes a few minutes. First the donor registers to donate and fills out a confidential history. Then they have their vitals checked. Afterward, the donor’s blood is drawn, and that can take up to 10 minutes.
Finally, donors are given refreshments, such as juice, chocolate milk or cookies.
Cascade Regional Blood Services has provided blood to hospitals in south King and Pierce counties for more than 65 years and is the exclusive supplier to MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup.
“We rely upon community sponsors, like Columbia Bank and the Bonney Lake Lions Club, and volunteer blood donors to keep a constant and safe supply of blood and blood products for the hospitals we serve,” said Christine Swinehart, president and CEO of Cascade Regional Blood Services.
Columbia Bank branch manager Jim Read said it’s a good partnership.
“We love helping the blood drive and giving them the support they need,” Read said. “It’s been a great marriage.”
Jesse Major is a freelance reporter for the Herald.
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