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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Inland Northwest Blood Center to participate in blood drive honoring Rep. Steve Scalise, other shooting victims

In this March 8, 2017 file photo, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of La. speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington. Scalise was shot Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Va. (J. Scott Applewhite / AP)

The Inland Northwest Blood Center is participating in a nationwide blood drive to honor Congressman Steve Scalise, who was shot Wednesday during practice for the Congressional Baseball Game.

The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization, is organizing the drive to benefit the Louisiana congressman and other victims of the shooting.

While INBC was not asked to send blood to the East Coast following the shooting, the blood center said in a news release it would work with local Knights of Columbus chapters on the drive.

Scalise is in critical condition at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and has received several blood transfusions.

Blood donations typically fall during the summer by about 40 percent, INBC said, because more people are traveling or busy and don’t think to donate. Demand for blood is also highest in the summer.

During traumatic incidents like the shooting, blood centers have to rely on blood that’s already in stock to care for patients. O-negative type blood is especially helpful for emergencies when there isn’t time to cross-match a patient’s blood.

Donors can stop by any INBC center between Friday and Sunday and say they’re donating in honor of the congressional shooting victims. Donors can also make appointments at inbcsaves.org or by calling (800) 423-0151.