EKU, American Red Cross host blood drive in honor of victims of 9/11

On Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) held a blood drive to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of 9/11. The blood drive took place in the Powell Building, and the included donations by students, staff, and community members.

“The blood donated at EKU’s blood drive will help numerous of patients from cancer, trauma, sickle cell, pregnancy/labor, and surgeries. The blood will go where it is needed and will help save lives,” said American Red Cross’s Account Representative for Blood Services Sierra Kosch.

For EKU students, donating blood is important to help those in need.

“(I donate because) in an instance where I’m in a situation where I need to get blood, helping to contribute to blood donations is very important,” EKU freshman Sierra Secora said.

As blood drives continue to occur all over the country, more and more lives are being saved.

“There is no substitute to human blood,” Kosch said. “When a patient needs blood, there is no medication or alternative. Every two seconds someone in America needs blood and 1 in 7 people entering the hospital needs blood. It is extremely important to be a donor if you are eligible as only 37% of the US population are eligible. We need you!”