Blood Banks in the Coachella Valley held blood drives on Thursday to help an injured Northern California police officer. One local bank was able to collect twice as much blood than expected.
The Rancho Mirage Community Blood Bank Center Director Nicu Cocione said they initially planned for about 30 donors. However, about 60 to 70 donors came. The center was able to successfully collect close to 40 units of blood.
Cocione said usually donors are waiting for an half hour or more to donate but not in this case.
"Donors were excited to give blood," said Cocione.
The Palm Springs Police Department arranged for the emergency blood drive to help the injured officer. Multiple blood banks hosted the drive from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Community Blood Bank is working with a Northern California affliate to get the blood to the injured man.
Officer Todd Young of the Fremont Police Department was shot August 27, while trying to arrest someone. The 39-year-old has since remained hospitalized in serious condition.
Cocione said the blood used for Young was from the blood center shelf. This means there will be continuous need for the center to collect blood.
