BATON ROUGE - The governor contributed to a blood drive taking place at the State Capitol on Thursday morning.

State workers and the public will be contributing to the blood drive into the afternoon which was arranged by the Governor’s Office of Programs and Planning and LifeShare Blood Centers in honor of the lives lost by law enforcement officers in last Sunday’s ambush shooting. Two Baton Rouge Police Department officers and one East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputy were shot and died outside of a convenience store on Airline Highway near Old Hammond.

Three other officers were taken to area hospitals where officials reported the blood supply remained stable during their treatment. Still, blood donations are always needed, and Gov. John Bel Edwards loaned his left arm to the cause shortly after the drive got started. A chart on the LifeShare website that indicates

total blood supply shows that types 0+ and AB- are in critical demand. Individuals with blood type A-, B- and AB+ should also look to donate as soon as they possibly can. Other blood types are also needed.

The LifeShare blood donation bus will remain parked in the State Capitol parking lot near the Southwest entrance gate until 2:30 p.m.

Governor’s Office staffers said they wanted to create a simple yet personal way for state workers and the public to get involved as the community looks to move forward after Sunday morning’s tragic bloodshed. All State Capitol complex workers are welcome, but anyone can stop by to contribute to the cause.

Vigils and prayer services for Montrell Jackson, Matthew Gerald and Brad Garafola will continue through the weekend in Baton Rouge.