SIDNEY — There were many heroes to honor at the second annual Shelby County “Heroes Behind the Badge Blood Drive” but the top honor went to the “home team.” Wilson Health in Sidney hosted the Tuesday, Aug. 29 blood drive and a surge of support from hospital workers carried the day for the “Healthcare” team.
Sidney and Shelby County police won the inaugural 2016 “Heroes” blood drive, but this year had to settle for a second-place tie with the firefighters. All who registered to donate could cast a vote for their favorite health and public safety team. Healthcare got 35 votes, followed by police and fire with 27 each, and Emergency Medical Services with 17.
It was a true win for all hospital patients who depend on Community Blood Center donors. The “Heroes” blood drive totaled 102 donors, including 12 first-time donors and 85 donations. One of the donors voting for Healthcare was Wilson Health President and CEO Mark Dooley.
Healthcare donors were especially glad to help out at a time when CBC has been asked to send blood products to Texas donor centers in the Hurricane Harvey disaster area to aid the relief effort.
“I voted for police last time,” said Piqua donor Rosalie Snipes. “All these people are all needed. But I have a cousin who works in healthcare in Houston, so I’m voting for healthcare.”
“We need them all,” agreed Anna donor Dave Heitman. “I know a lot of Shelby County sheriff’s deputies. I wouldn’t want to be without any of them.”
The voting competition is very transparent during the course of the blood drive. CBC’s Kathy Pleiman sets up the balloting with four clear plastic containers, so donors can gauge the vote count at a glance.
“We did win last year,” said Sidney Police Officer Michael McRill after making his 38th lifetime donation and voting for police. “I don’t know about this year. I just got off duty, and I thought I’d better come out.”
All the teams showed dedication to supporting the “Heroes” blood drive, but none better than Healthcare. Houston donor Tashaunya Strunk is an emergency room nurse who works the late night shift at Wilson Health. Instead of sleeping late she came back to Wilson to support the blood drive.
“I just woke up,” said Tashaunya after making her 12th lifetime blood donation. “It wasn’t so bad last night, and I’m off today. I will vote for Wilson for sure!”
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