A volunteer donates blood in this AP File photo. Michigan State Police will sponsor a first responders blood drive July 23.

NEGAUNEE — The Michigan State Police (MSP) Negaunee Regional Dispatch Center (NRCC) is hosting the First Responder Blood Drive Event from 8 a.m. tp 6 p.m on Tuesday, July 23, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the U.P. Health System Regional Blood Center, located in the old Office Max building at 1400 W. Washington Street Marquette, MI 49855

All first responders across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including police, fire, EMS, corrections officers, hospital staff, military personnel, and retirees from these professions, are invited to participate in this event. The public is also welcome to attend and donate.

Kristi Carello, an Emergency Dispatcher at NRCC and one of the event organizers, highlighted the importance of this blood drive. “The U.P. Health System Regional Blood Center supplies blood to each county NRCC dispatches for and even beyond,” she said. “When we donate, we are directly supporting and positively impacting the communities we serve. All donated blood stays in the UP. I believe this is a great way to bring some positivity into the center and a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community, even beyond what first responders already do.”

As a thank you, all police, fire, EMS, corrections officers, hospital staff, military personnel, and retirees from these professions who donate blood will be entered into a raffle featuring prizes from local businesses, including contributions from Ore Dock Brewery, The Island, Doozers, Donkers, Texas Roadhouse, Lake Superior Smoke House, Wilderness Sports, and more.

All who donate, including the general public, will receive a will receive a Texas Roadhouse coupon and a Lake Superior Smoke House coupon.

Walk-ins are welcome throughout the day. For those needing to donate during a scheduled time, appointments can be made by calling the Blood Center directly at 906-449-1452, or by contacting Kristi Carello at 906-869-0251 or carellok@michigan.gov.

If you would like to be involved but are unable to donate blood, there are still opportunities to participate and help. Please reach out to find a way for you to get involved. Join us in saving lives and supporting our local communities.