Annual Carmen Burnette Blood Drive In February

Blood Assurance will hold their annual blood drive in memory of Carmen Burnette on February 4.

Putnam County EMS Director Tommy Copeland said the drive has happened since 2011.

“Carmen was a great person. She gave a lot to this community, and it’s a great way to remember her. Also, Blood Assurance has a great need for blood of all types at this time. Blood Assurance is the sole provider for Cookeville and also all the surrounding areas,” Copeland said.

Burnette was a paramedic, CPR coordinator, training officer, and first-responder. Burnette passed away in February 2011 during corrective surgery to repair a back injury. She was 38 years old.

Carmen Fund Community Affairs Coordinator Danielle Husseini said the blood drive encompasses what Carmen stood for.

“We appreciate the community for continuing this drive in her honor and building a community wide event that will hopefully continue for many years to come,” Husseini said.

Participants can donate blood at the Blood Assurance’s main office in Cookeville. All donors will receive a free T-shirt, a $10 Walmart gift-card, and complementary pizza, Subway sandwiches, and Panera cookies.

Copeland said Blood Assurance needs as many donors as they can.

“Right now as I understand it the blood types of the blood they have on hand is kind of low, and it would be a really good thing to get that number back up so if somebody needs blood it’s there and waiting for them on the shelf,” Copeland said.

For more information about donation visit the Blood Assurance’s website.