Brian Ritchie

FOLLANSBEE — COVID-19 has taken a toll on most everyone, but especially on the families of loved ones taken too soon by the disease.

That includes Brian Ritchie, 50, who was a lieutenant and 13-year member of the Weirton Fire Department and assistant chief of the Hooverson Heights Volunteer Fire Department, where he had been a member for 29 years. He died Feb. 2 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown following complications due to COVID-19 contracted while on work duty with the Weirton Fire Department.

Those close to him say Ritchie had a passion for community. Family and friends remember him as a loving, devout father, partner and public servant,” a promotional flier notes.

And they want to pay it forward in their loved one’s name, encouraging the community to donate blood for local patients in need.

Now Ritchie’s family has issued a call to action to the Follansbee community, surrounding area and first responders, encouraging all healthy adults to roll up a sleeve and give blood to help save lives, according to the release.

The Hooverson Heights Volunteer Fire Department, located at 116 May Road, Follansbee, will be site of a blood drive to be held from noon to 6 p.m. on May 28.

Ritchie led by example, and his service to his community extended beyond the fire departments, according to a news release from the American Red Cross.

“Ritchie was a regular blood donor. While he fought the coronavirus, during his hospitalization, he received blood transfusions as part of his treatment. His family says those treatments gave them more time with Ritchie, for which they are grateful,” it notes.

“The act of giving blood costs nothing but about an hour of time. What is gained is the satisfaction in knowing that your donation could save up to three lives,” it continues.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter HHVFD.

This spring as COVID-19 vaccines become more available and people resume some of their favorite activities, the American Red Cross is reminding the public that the need for blood remains. Healthy individuals are encouraged to make a blood donation appointment now.

As long as donors are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer’s name, there’s no waiting period required after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized in the U.S. Additional blood donation eligibility information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/Eligibility.

There are three reasons not to wait to donate, according to the ARC.

≤ Donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed in May to help ensure blood products are available for patients now and into summer.

≤ Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in May will be automatically entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps five, powered by Suburban Propane.

≤ Schedule an appointment now to give blood and make it a summer full of life for patients.

Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.