Proclamations, impact statements by victims and a blood drive mark local observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 2-8, 2017.
Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator, Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler and Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr. will join with Project Celebration to open the week at 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 3, 2017, in the Frost Rose Garden at Centenary College, 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport.
In addition to Sheriff Prator and Mayor Tyler, other public officials and representatives from Barksdale Air Force Base will be on hand, as well as several crime victims and survivors, who also will speak briefly.
District Attorney James E. Stewart, Sr. will be first in line Wednesday, April 5, 2017, when the LifeShare Blood Center mobile collection bus parks outside the Marshall Street side of the Caddo Parish Courthouse.
The drive will be from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. that day. LifeShare has set the drive’s goal at 12 pints, but planners hope to collect 20 or more pints. There will be a registration book available for anyone wishing to make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one who has been affected by crime.
“This is a great way to possibly save a life while honoring victims and promoting awareness of the resources that are available to them and their families,” says Leone Fitzgerald, director of the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Program.
People who plan to donate can contact Mrs. Fitzgerald at (318) 226-5916, ext. 1, or email her at lfitzgerald@caddoda.com<mailto:lfitzgerald@caddoda.com>.
“If necessary, blood drive donations can be scheduled in advance for a time of your choosing” she said, adding that “the entire process – from paperwork to t-shirt and cookie – only takes about 25-30 minutes.”