On Jan. 17, Ashley Yost, an apprentice member of United Association Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVACR Service Technicians Local 85, was critically injured in an accident in Midland County.  She was taken to Covenant Hospital in Saginaw and required units of blood during her care.

In lieu of flowers and cards, in the two weeks following Ms. Yost’s accident, fellow Local 85 apprentices responded with kindness and generosity by donating seventy-eight units of blood in her behalf.  Ashley is now receiving care at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.

The staff of Michigan Blood, 1771 Tittabawassee Road in Saginaw, was amazed at the act of kindness by her classmates.  According to Brandi Averillof Donor Services-Saginaw, her fellow classmates and instructors have rallied together and came out when they could and gave what Ashley needs most: blood.

“I believe with the support of these great people she will achieve whatever dream she puts her heart to next,” Brandi says.  “We (Michigan Blood staff) have had a great experience at the Saginaw office and have seen first-hand the love and support a group shows for one of their own.”

The Michigan Blood staff commented that blood donation is always needed in the Tri-Cities and in recent years donation levels have been down.  These apprentices were proud to illustrate the principle of benevolence that United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVACR Service Technicians Local 85 was founded on 117 years ago.  Plans are being made for all the members of Local 85 to participate in a blood drive to help Michigan Blood and the communities that we live and work in.   Ashley and her family want to thank the staff at Michigan Blood and the members of United Association Local 85.