As COVID-19 continues to impact communities across the country, blood supplies at the American Red Cross have dropped dramatically.
Now, Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police and Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) Police are doing something about it.
The two agencies are teaming up with Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resources Police and Maryland Capitol Police on the new #SleevesUpMD blood drive to benefit the American Red Cross. The campaign is part of an effort to honor the memories of Marylanders who have lost their lives to COVID-19 and the service of those who help fight it.
“The idea of service in law enforcement goes beyond just answering calls and enforcing laws,” said MDTA Police Cpl. Brady McCormick, who is spearheading his agency’s campaign efforts. “This is a bigger-picture example of this service mentality.”
Police are encouraging members of the public, fellow law enforcement officers and other first responders to help them reach their goal of 150 new blood donations by Sept. 1, 2020. A single donation can save as many as three lives.
“The officers of the MDOT MTA Police are always there for the citizens of Maryland to answer the call for assistance,” said MDOT MTA Police Chief Col. John E. Gavrilis. “I am proud of the men and women of the MDOT MTA Police for their selfless contributions, not only during this event, but throughout the year. The MDOT MTA Police will be embarking on a collaborative effort with other state law enforcement agencies for this much-needed blood drive.”
To date, nearly, 2,700 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to concerns about congregating at workplaces, college campuses and schools amidst the coronavirus outbreak. These cancellations have resulted in approximately 86,000 fewer blood donations. More than 80 percent of the blood the Red Cross collects comes from drives held at these locations.
Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Woodrow Jones III said the #SleevesUpMD campaign is a great, tangible way to give back to the community.
“All of our state law enforcement agencies are proud to join together in this lifesaving effort,” Col. Jones said.
To donate your lifesaving gift, visit: https://sleevesup.redcrossblood.org/campaign/marylands-state-law-enforcement-sleevesupmd-campaign/. Follow the instructions to make a reservation that is easy and convenient for you. A social distance-compliant reservation can be scheduled at any American Red Cross Maryland donation center.
