By Kathy Jefcoats, Daily Herald (Henry County, Ga.)
Some 53 people signed up to donate blood in memory of a Henry police officer killed in the line of duty last month but walk-ins increased the actual number of participants to almost 100.
Officers said making the donation was the right thing to do.
“I give blood regularly,” said Henry police Detective Carol Wood. “That this time is for Jimmy is just a bonus.”
Henry police Sgt. Jimmy Gilbert, a 20-year veteran of law enforcement, died when he crashed his patrol car into an illegally parked truck owned by a moving company. The Georgia State Patrol continues to investigate the May 2 crash.
“I’m here because it’s a blood drive for Jimmy,” Henry police Detective Wayne Bender said. “To show support for the department.”
Henry police Chief Henry White Jr. said public safety officers probably appreciate the need for blood donations more than most other residents.
“You never know when you’re going to have an emergency,” he said, “whether personally or in the community. Public safety folks probably are a little more concerned because they are out there every day. And it’s the benevolent thing to do.”
The American Red Cross conducted the drive, held at the county administration building Tuesday. Red Cross worker Angel Esponda said the blood collected can be used in various ways and one pint has the potential to help three-four people.
“The blood is divided into products n red cells, platelets, plasma and cryo,” he said. “So one pint can help three-four people depending on what is needed at the time.”
Red blood cells are given to people suffering from anemia and patients undergoing surgery. Platelets are given to cancer patients to replace what chemotherapy kills. Plasma is used to replace volume in burn patients and others who have lost fluids. Cryo is used as a coagulant.
Pints are collected but four test tube samples are also taken from each donor. The samples are sent to a lab for analysis. Once the sample are deemed disease-free, the blood is released to hospitals for use as needed.
Red blood cells are replenished in the body in about 35 days but donors should wait 50 to 60 days before giving again.
Henry County public information officer Larry Stanford said the turnout was great.
“We ended up with about 87 donors,” he said. “We’re doing very well. With this kind of turnout, we may do it more often.”