LifeServe Blood Center is a non-profit, community based blood center that has served the needs of local hospitals and patients in our regions since 1947. As one of the 15 largest blood centers in the country, LifeServe Blood Center is the SOLE provider of blood and blood products to more than 150 hospitals located across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. LifeServe is committed to saving lives by providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients. Your donation with LifeServe will help save your neighbor, a friend or family member or a stranger on the street. YOU make a difference in YOUR community.

LATANYA'S STORY On December 7, 1973, Latanya Smith was born to her unwed 15-year-old mother, Bernice Wiley, and spent the first three years of her life happily living with her grandmother. In December of 1976, Latanya was taken to the hospital by her grandmother with bruises and other injuries. After an investigation of the incident, Latanya was placed back into the custody of her grandmother while Bernice, her mother went through counseling, yet there was no counseling for Charles Johnson, the mother’s boyfriend and the man who had beaten the three-year-old girl. On January 17, 1977, Bernice completed her counseling, and Latanya was placed back into her custody. Although no one can ever know the pain three-year-old Latanya may have endured, we do know that on February 14, 1977, Latanya was pronounced dead from physical abuse. It took three weeks for Charles Johnson and Bernice Wiley to end the life of the little girl. Latanya’s case went to the grand jury, where we then learned that Latanya had been beaten, burned and bitten by Charles, her fingers were pinched with pliers, and she had been beaten with a broom so badly that the broom broke into pieces. We learned, that an autopsy completed after death, showed that her tissues were saturated with blood, and that she had died from internal hemorrhaging caused by abuse. We learned that, at the age of three, Latanya had lost the will to live. Bernice had been so afraid of losing her boyfriend that she did nothing to stop the abuse and Charles actually took pleasure in the pain inflicted upon Latanya, as she was another man’s child. Three members of the Jury and other concerned community members were so moved by Latanya’s case, that the Council was formed. We are an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

Founded in Cedar Rapids in 1997, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) is one of Iowa’s largest private, multispecialty physician groups. Over 80 physicians, surgeons, and mid-level providers meet nationally recognized standards for education, knowledge, experience, and skills in order to provide the highest quality of care in a wide range of specialties and subspecialties. PCI is independent and locally owned—giving Eastern Iowa families a choice in where they receive their specialty care. Our specialists see patients at PCI Medical Pavilion, but also offer inpatient and surgical care at both Cedar Rapids hospitals, Surgery Center Cedar Rapids, and surrounding community medical centers. 24 hours a day, seven days a week—a PCI doctor is always on-call and ready to help. Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa Medical Pavilion—Eastern Iowa’s premier specialty medical center—makes visiting the doctor more convenient than ever before. Accredited on-site imaging and laboratory, state-of-the-art technology, infusion center, and more, help deliver tailored solutions and successful outcomes. We’re in this together. Together in health.