MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The third week of May marks EMS appreciation week. This is a way to recognize some of the unseen and sometimes unthanked efforts done by our Emergency Medical Services.
In light of EMS week, the U.P. Regional Blood Center held a blood drive at U.P. Health system – Marquette on Friday. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., UPHS staff and community volunteers could donate blood in the hospital lobby, all for a good cause.
EMS manager Curt LeSage has been doing this work for 38 years. He says he always appreciates the support from the community.
“Everyone knows about law enforcement, everyone knows about fire services,” said LeSage. “But EMS in general can become a lost piece in that puzzle, and it’s just nice to be recognized for what we do.”
All blood donations like today through the U.P. Regional Blood Center stays in the Upper Peninsula, with a single donation potentially saving up to three lives.
“To donate blood, we have centers in Marquette, Hancock and Escanaba,” said Dana Langsford, manager of blood donor services with UPHS. “We conduct blood drives throughout the U.P. four times a week.”
To learn more about blood donations in the Upper Peninsula, visit uphealthsystem.com.
It’s important to remember not for just this week, but always, to thank your emergency medical staff.