Detroit Fire Department and DEMCA partner to help save lives through First Responder Blood Drive

The Detroit East Medical Control Authority (DEMCA) and the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) joined forces Thursday, November 6, to host a First Responder Blood Drive at the Detroit Fire Department Walter P. Harris Regional Training Academy. The event, held in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, brought together members of the Detroit Police and Fire Departments to help address the ongoing shortage of blood donations in the region. The drive was a huge success. A total of 24 units of blood were collected from our generous donors.

Versiti reports that blood donations remain critically low across Detroit and Southeast Michigan, with hospitals relying on community blood drives like this one to ensure a stable and ready supply for patients in need of transfusions, trauma care, and surgeries.

"Every day, Detroit's first responders save lives in the field-and today, they extended that life-saving mission to the blood drive," said Damon Gorelick, Executive Director of DEMCA. "We're so grateful to the Detroit Fire Department for hosting this event and to every employee who took time out of their busy day to roll up their sleeves and donate. Their generosity will help countless patients in our hospitals."

Several members of Detroit Fire Department's cadets took a break from training to save lives by donating blood.

DEMCA sponsored a raffle for blood drive participants, with prizes of $500, $300, and $200 awarded to randomly selected donors as a thank-you for their life-saving contribution.

Detroit Fire Department Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said he was proud to see the city's first responders step up once again-this time, to help save lives in a different way. "Our mission is to protect and save lives," Commissioner Simms said. "Partnering with DEMCA to collect blood for Versiti is another way we can make a real difference. Every pint collected can help save up to three lives, and that's something every donor should be proud of."

Dr. Robert Dunne, Detroit Fire Department's Medical Director, emphasized the importance of regular blood donation to ensure local hospitals have the resources they need. "Donating blood is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to help others," Dr. Dunne said. "The need for blood never stops-so if you're able, I encourage everyone to make donating a regular habit. It's a small act with life-saving power."

Dr. Matthew Ball, Henry Ford Hospital, Dr. Robert Dunne, Detroit Fire Department, and event organizer Damon Gorelick, Executive Director of Detroit East Medical Control Authority.

Versiti, a nonprofit organization, is a national leader in innovative blood health solutions, combining donor programs, precision medicine research and diagnostics to support patient care, strengthen communities and advance the science of transfusion medicine.

"We at Versiti are deeply grateful to DEMCA and the Detroit Fire Department for this incredible partnership," said Ashley Minor, Regional Manager of Donor Recruitment for Versiti, "Thanks to the selfless first responders and city employees who donated today, we're able to bolster the blood supply when our community needs it most. Together, we're saving lives."

The First Responder Blood Drive is part of an ongoing collaboration between DEMCA, Versiti, and the Detroit Fire Department to strengthen emergency preparedness and improve community health outcomes across the region.