Driving force behind United Blood Services retires after 22 years

For 22 years Alana Ladd-Ross has been one of the most well-known faces with United Blood Services. On Wednesday she officially retired and was sent out in style with a party in her honor.
In between laughter and tears, employees and friends lined up one-by-one to pledge their appreciation and allegiance to Alana, the donor recruitment and community relations supervisor for United Blood Services of Carson City, whom many say was the driving force and life blood behind the operation.
Even as Alana said her farewells to employees, many of whom were in tears, she continued to pitch the importance of United Blood Services to the community, saying donating blood is the ultimate gift to give.

"Giving blood is good for the soul," she said. "When you give, you also get back in knowing you saved someone's life."
Alana has worn many hats with United Blood Services over the years, having worked in Carson City, Reno and the Northern Nevada Mobile Unit. Local officials on hand included Mayor Bob Crowell and Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong.
Steve Thomas, recruitment director for United Blood Services, said: "No one will be able to replace her. She has done an incredible job for us for the past 22 years."