Portland Fire & Rescue and American Red Cross Team up for Sept. 11 Memorial Blood Drive

Portland, OR. Looking for a way to support first responders and the community on Sept 11th? Sign up for Portland Fire & Rescue’s third annual Sept 11th Memorial Blood Drive at Station 1.

Portland Fire & Rescue and the American Red Cross are joining together for the third consecutive year for a Sept. 11 Memorial Blood Drive to honor those lost during the 2001 terrorist attacks. The annual Portland Fire & Rescue Blood Drive will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11 from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm at Station 1, 55 SW Ash St. Those who come to donate can enjoy an on-site cookout and get a $10 Visa gift card while supplies last, courtesy of Suburban Propane through a Red Cross sponsorship.

The blood drive is open to the public and members of the community are encouraged to roll up a sleeve to join Portland firefighters in donating blood in honor of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11th.

Portland Fire & Rescue kicked off the blood drive because the bureau wanted to offer an avenue of action for those marking this solemn day that has deep significance for first responders.

“Community health and wellness is one of the major components of today’s modern fire service, so it makes great sense to mark this day by joining together to contribute to our important blood reserves,” says Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Mike Myers. “I will be there to donate and I look forward to meeting our neighbors who will roll up their sleeves alongside me.”

Fire Commissioner Dan Saltzman encourages those who are able to sign up to donate blood.

“September 11th showed us that we must always be ready and resilient. Our first responders train to face worst case scenarios such as we saw on that tragic day in 2001 and their bravery cannot be overstated,” Saltzman says. “We as a community can also train for worst case scenarios; making sure we have plenty of life-saving blood on hand is one way that we can prepare. Please sign up to give blood on September 11th at Station 1.”

“First responders know firsthand how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies,” said Neil Tosuntikool, Donor Recruitment director of the Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region. “By hosting this blood drive, they are helping ensure that blood is on the shelves before it is needed.”

Donors of all blood types – especially O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed. The Red Cross encourages donors to schedule their appointments in advance, but walk-ins also are welcome.

What: September 11 Memorial Blood Drive
When: Sunday, September 11, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Where: Portland Fire & Rescue Station 1, 55 SW Ash Street
Sign up: www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code PortlandFire or call 503-823-3700