Donations from annual blood drive expected to save up to 300 lives

The annual “Heroes Behind the Badges” blood drive saw a record-high turnout Monday.

Hosted by the Vermillion Fire Department, Vermillion Police Department and Sanford Health, the event creates a friendly competition between the Vermillion firefighters and police officers.

VFD took the win this year, continuing their ongoing victory since 2014.

“This year, there was a phenomenal turnout,” said Ken Versteeg, executive director of Community Blood Bank, the only independent blood bank in Vermillion.

There were 110 donations made this year, compared to last year’s 69 donations.

VPD detective Robin Hower, who’s been a donor since the blood drive’s start in 2007, said the goal this year was to reach 100 units of blood.

All of the blood that was collected was kept local and donated to the Sanford Vermillion Clinic.

“This blood drive helps replenish the blood supply for Sanford Vermillion and creates a fun environment for donors,” Versteeg said. “It’s a reminder from local heroes of the need for blood.”

Monday’s donations are expected to help up to 300 patient lives, Versteeg added.