Chatham-Kent Police, Fire and EMS personnel, as well as residents of Chatham-Kent, are being called to action to donate blood during the month of April in support of Uniforms United – a month-long blood donor campaign spearheaded by police officers Doug and Renee Cowell.

This April marks the 11th anniversary of the tragic loss of the Cowell’s baby girl, Bailey. During her battle with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and subsequent heart transplant, Bailey received over 140 blood products. In addition to their annual Green Ribbon Campaign to support organ donation awareness, Doug and Renee would like to extend an invitation to fellow emergency services personnel and the residents of Chatham-Kent to give back by donating blood.

As well, residents are being encouraged to consider becoming an organ donor. For more information, please visit www.beadonor.ca

A record number of lives have been saved through donations, but more donors are urgently needed.

• One organ donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation
• Every 3 days someone dies in Ontario waiting
• Everyone is a potential donor regardless of age
• Recovery of organs and tissue is carried out with respect and dignity
• Studies have shown that donating the organs of a loved one has provided comfort to family members