WTWO hosting 9/11 blood drive

FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — You can give the gift of life with an upcoming blood drive in memory of the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

WTWO has partnered with Versiti Blood Center to host a series of blood donation locations throughout the Wabash Valley.

About 1 in 7 people entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion. This results in more than 4.5 patients needing blood each year between the U.S. and Canada. It takes one pint of blood to save 3 lives, and less than 10% of eligible donors give annually.

Any healthy adult, at least 17 years of age weighing more than 110 pounds may donate up to a pint of blood every two months. Type O blood is especially important, as much of today’s medical care depends on a steady stream of donated blood.

Children being treated for cancer, premature infants, and children needing heart surgery require blood and platelets of all types. 17% of non-donors cite “never thought about it” as their main reason for not giving, while 15% say they’re too busy. If only one more percent of all Americans would give blood, blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future.

The locations and dates of this year’s blood drive are as follows;

• Monday, September 11
  • Located at First Robinson Savings Bank
• Tuesday, September 12
  • Located at First Vincennes Savings Bank
• Wednesday, September 13
  • Located at Baesler’s in Sullivan