The Matanuska-Susitna Borough employees just played a vital role in responding to our state’s blood supply shortage. Up to 96 lives were helped by the blood donations made by employees and family on Aug. 3.

Community blood drives provide more than half of Alaska’s blood supply. Borough Human Resources Specialist Char Avril led the Borough blood-drive effort. “Our Borough employees always step up to the plate. We heard about the statewide shortage of blood and knew we needed to contribute,” Avril said. Borough employees donated a record amount for the Borough at 32 pints in a single day.

“That’s a potential of up to 96 lives saved,” said Troy Palmer, Community Coordinator for the Blood Bank of Alaska. “I want to thank you for your ongoing support on behalf of the Blood Bank of Alaska and supporting our Life-saving mission….”

Every year, the Borough holds four blood drives on site at 350 E. Dahlia Avenue in Palmer, in the mobile Blood Bank van outside the Dorothy Swanda Jones building.

Photos by Patty Sullivan/MSB Left: Alison Bradley, Finance Secretary, takes time out to donate blood. Top Right: Tonya Loyer, of Accounts Payable, waits for her turn with a smile. Right: Kendra Johnson, Code Compliance Officer in Planning, donates and is ready to return to work.

For more information call Char Avril at 746-6423 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Patty Sullivan, public affairs director, at 745-9577 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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