Silver Valley recognized for blood donation success

The year 2017 was memorable for Shoshone County blood drives, as they received nearly 500 units of blood, as well as celebrating 50 years of partnership with the Kellogg Elks.

Rob Balison, a territory manager for the Inland Northwest Blood Center (INBC) detailed out just how impressive the year was for the area and how big of an impact they were able to make.

“In 2017, 471 units of blood were selflessly given in Shoshone County, positively impacting up to 1,413 lives,” Balison said. “It is only with the support from the communities like the ones found within Shoshone County that we are able to provide these lifesaving blood products to those in need, as there is no substitute for human blood.”

The blood drives have been up and down the valley at locations like Wallace High School, Real Life Ministries, Fire District 1, Kellogg High School, Shoshone Medical Center, as well as the Kellogg Elks.

The Elks drives have become a staple on the community events calendar, and in 2017 they accounted for half of the total blood donations in Shoshone County.

“This year we are celebrating 50 years of partnership with the Elks Lodge in Kellogg,” Balison said. “They have been gracious hosts throughout the years and we can’t thank them enough for the warm and welcome environment that they have provided for us.”

Balison, as well as the rest of INBC is incredibly thankful for Shoshone County and considering the vast area of coverage and high need for blood, they recognize how important this region is for them.

“Thank you to all of Shoshone County for your continued support and your dedication to our mission of saving lives,” Balison said. “As the only supplier of blood and blood products to more than 35 area hospitals and medical centers, the Inland Northwest Blood Center relies on the generosity of nearly 200 blood donors per day to ensure that we have a safe and dependable supply of blood for our patients in need. Both the Wallace Chamber of Commerce and The Kellogg Chamber of Commerce have also been instrumental to the success of our blood drives throughout 2017. And to the multiple businesses in the Silver Valley that continually let us hang our flyers and support our cause.”

Balison is hopeful that 2018 can be even bigger than 2017 and would love to see more businesses and community members get involved with the INBC.

“As you can see, the people of Shoshone County are amazing, with so many moving parts, we could not do this without all of you,” Balison said. “If you would like to volunteer in 2018, whether you have a group or you are an individual that loves doing community outreach and wants to help in any way, please contact me. I’d love to meet with you and discuss the additional opportunities that are available to help support our mission of saving lives.”

To contact Balison call him at (509) 828-3577 or email him at Robert.Balison@inbcsaves.org.

Here are the total amount of blood donations received at the various drives.

- Silver Valley Community Blood Drive at the Kellogg Elks held six blood drives and received 234 units of blood.

- Wallace High School held three blood drives and received 93 units of blood. WHS was also awarded a $1,000 grant from Blood Center Foundation of the Inland Northwest for hosting three blood drives during the school year.

- Kellogg High School held two blood drives and received 67 units of blood.

- Shoshone County Fire District #1 held one blood drive and received 41 units of blood.

- Real Life Ministries of Pinehurst held two blood drives and received 22 units of blood.

- Shoshone Medical Center held one blood drive and received 14 units of blood.