150 participate in Ironwood blood drive

IRONWOOD - Nearly 150 people donated blood on Wednesday afternoon at the Ironwood Memorial Building through the American Red Cross Blood Drive.

According to event coordinator Betsy Slabaugh, over the last 10 years, she has seen the number of people donating rise, making her job "so much easier."

"Many people sign up ahead of time," she said. "Otherwise, I give them a call and see if they want to do it. People are used to this now, and I have been able to meet so many nice people."

Many of the people donating are repeat donators. Slabaugh said she has a special list with people who have donated blood 25 times or more, and off that list, she had 78 people participate on Wednesday.

"I even had one lady who has donated 110 times," Slabaugh said. "That is just remarkable. It's so heartwarming to have them coming back each time to help."

Despite the fact that the blood drive is over, Slabaugh and the Red Cross are already preparing for another blood drive on April 22 at the Memorial Building from noon to 6 p.m.

What keeps Slabaugh coming back is the constant need.

"My youngest brother died of cancer, and when I was taking care of him, he need blood transfusions," Slabaugh said. "That is why I do this. I think of how much is needed. Most people don't think about needing blood, but it's really important."

A blood drive is also taking place today at A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If people are interested in signing up in participating in the April 22 drive, they can contact Slabaugh.

"If you haven't done it before, they help you throughout the process," she said. "The workers do a great job and are very professional."

For more information, call Slabaugh at 906-932-5478.