The upcoming blood drive next week will offer the community an opportunity to save some lives and honor a local hero in the New Year.
The Vandalia Rotary Club and the American Red Cross are sponsoring a blood drive in honor Colin Ledbetter and other first responders who have been injured in the line duty. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the Vandalia Moose Lodge, which is located at 328 S. 3rd St.
In January 2022, officer Colin Ledbetter and his partner were both shot during a pursuit. Colin had sustained three gunshot wounds, the worst to his femoral artery that caused massive blood loss and for his heart to stop. It took a large team of first responders and medical professionals as well as dozens of blood products to save his life.
Colin survived because the blood he needed was available because of donors, and those 39 units that saved his life have helped solidify how important giving blood can be.
“Giving blood is such a big thing,” Colin Ledbetter said. “It saved my life, and it saved the life of my partner.”
His father Steve Ledbetter seconded those sentiments.
“I always found a reason, I was too busy or I didn’t have time,” Steve Ledbetter said. “Now I give every time. I don’t miss one now.”
Colin Ledbetter said his health today is “pretty good,” adding he does feel some discomfort at times in his leg. While the femoral artery that was severed during the shooting has limited blood flow, Colin is surrounded by top-tier medical professionals who are monitoring the situation and advising on the best treatment.
“He has a great team of doctors, and they are handling it really well,” Steve Ledbetter said.
The date of the blood drive – Jan. 9 – coincides with National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
The American Red Cross recently announced a national blood and platelet. The organization urges eligible donors to book an appointment as soon as possible because all blood types are urgently in need. This is especially true for donors with O blood type.
The upcoming blood drive is also in conjunction with the COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors), which is sponsoring blood drives throughout the country on this date.
“The demand is really high around Christmas time,” Steve Ledbetter said. “Not a lot of people don’t give around the holidays. You will never know who you could help but you could help someone.”
Organizers are hoping for a big turnout. A blood drive held in Colin Ledbetter’s honor was held in March 2022, and so many came to the drive that the Red Cross ran out of supplies.
Those who donate blood will also receive a free Blue Bloods T-shirt that is unique to this event. Interested donors are asked to call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.
Colin Ledbetter