Fire Department

In the 15 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, many Americans have chosen to commemorate the events of that day by giving blood. The Madison Police and Fire Departments are again partnering with the American Red Cross to invite the community to donate blood at the fifth annual Madison Public Safety Never Forget Blood Drive on Sept. 9, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Protective Service Center – Training at 1701 Pearson St., Madison.
 
“The Never Forget Blood Drive has provided almost 250 pints of blood to be transfused to patients in need over the years,” said Michele Zindars, account manager for the Red Cross. “We commend the Madison police and fire departments for going above and beyond their duties to help those in need”. 
 
In 2009, the U.S. Congress designated Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. 9/11 Day has become the nation’s largest annual day of charitable engagement with tens of millions of people performing good deeds each year. People can share their Sept. 11 good deed pledge at 911day.org and via social media with the #911day hashtag.
 
Volunteer donors of all blood types – especially those with types AB, O, A negative and B negative – and platelet donors are needed every day for patients with many serious medical conditions. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
 
Those unable to attend the Madison Public Safety Never Forget Blood Drive are invited to help save lives Sept. 10-16 at the American Red Cross East Blood Donation Center, 2109 Zeier Road, or the American Red Cross West Blood Donation Center, 4860 Sheboygan Ave.
 
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org sponsor code: Public Safety or call 608-213-5441 or 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
 
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
 
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.