Lethbridge Police Service Chief, Shahin Mehdizadeh donating plasma on February 2, 2023 for the Sirens for Life challenge. (Photo: LNN)

By Sarah Jones

First responders taking on the Sirens for Life challenge by donating plasma

Feb 2, 2023 | 1:43 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Plasma Donor Centre has kicked off its second annual Siren’s for Life campaign.

A friendly competition amongst first responders in Alberta is being held to see who can collect the most plasma donations from February 1 to 28, 2023.

While the challenge is focused on emergency service workers like the Lethbridge Police Service, the Lethbridge Fire Department, Coaldale Fire Department and Taber Fire Department, the goal remains the same, encourage as many people as possible to donate the lifesaving component in blood that is plasma.

Treats are handed out to those who donate plasma at the Lethbridge Plasma Donor Centre. (Photo: LNN)

Business Development Manager at the Lethbridge Plasma Centre, Brenna Scott, said they hope to see 200 plasma donations this month and bring in 100 new donors.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Scott explained, “Today is our campaign kickoff for our Sirens for Life challenge, so this challenge is for the entire month of February and it’s encouraging all types of first responders to roll up their sleeves and come in and donate and engage in a little healthy, friendly competition to see which team can bring in the most donations.”

So far, the Lethbridge Fire Department has signed 17 people up to donate in mid-February, but on February 2, 2023, Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh, The Watch manager Shane Kisinger, Taber Fire Department Chief Steve Munshaw, Coladale Mayor Jack Van Rijn, and Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen all stepped up to make their first donation for Siren’s for Life.

Van Rijn told media that he believes it’s very important that people do their part when donating plasma, as he rolls up his sleeve once per week at the donor centre.

Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen (Left) and Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn (Right) donating plasma on February 2, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

“Currently, the need for plasma in Canada is four times more than what’s currently being donated,” said Van Rijn. “I think it’s important that when we do a program, like they’re doing with Sirens for Life, it gets people out for the first time and, hopefully, they will be a repeat customer and start coming on a regular basis.”

Plasma is the protein-rich liquid in blood that helps other blood components flow through the body. When separated, it helps to treat patients with immune deficiencies, blood disorders, various cancers, and other diseases.

LPS Chief Mehdizadeh, noted that he has donated plasma a few times in the past and will continue to support the cause by encouraging others.

LPS Chief Mehdizadeh is all smiles before donating on behalf of Siren’s for Life. (Photo: LNN)

“When you [are] look at living in countries like Canada, these are the very important things that Canadians do to help others, and I’m quite proud to be a part of that,” said Mehdizadeh.

He went on, “Our job is public safety, when you look at front line workers who are out there every day risking their lives for people, that’s what we do. In this case, we don’t have to go in front of a bullet or do anything, just simply giving a substance that’s in our system to help others, which is really indirectly also contributing to a safer, healthier community.”

Community members who are interested in donating are encouraged to book an appointment and donate on behalf of one of the local teams participating in the Sirens for Life competition.

To learn more about Plasma or how to donate go to the Canadian Blood Services website.

Read more: Lethbridge News Now

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.