^{Jeff Allen, CEO of the American Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region, and PF&R Chief Erin Janssens invite you to donate}

Portland Fire Chief Erin Janssens invites the community to join Portland firefighters in donating blood at PF&R’s Station 1 (55 SW Ash Street) to commemorate September 11th. Janssens notes that September 11th will always be a solemn day for this nation and it is a day that has deep significance for first responders. “For the past 13 years, we have struggled to find a suitable way to honor the selfless act of our colleagues and to remember the nearly 3000 people who lost their lives” Janssens says. “This September 11th, we hope to begin a new tradition. It seems fitting to mark this day by joini ng together with the community to help shore up our emergency resources.”

Fire Commissioner Dan Saltzman encourages those who can to sign up to donate. “Our firefighters are the ones rushing into emergency situations to help those in danger. As we saw on September 11th and we see every day here in Portland, it is a risky profession,” he says. “But firefighters aren’t the only ones who can help people in danger. By giving blood, we can all help create a healthier and more resilient community. Please sign up to give blood on September 11th at Station 1.”

The need for blood in our healthcare system is essential and ongoing. Every two seconds, someone in the US needs blood. A single trauma victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood. More than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day and those who are able to donate blood can help save lives.

PF&R thanks the American Red Cross, which will not only run this blood drive at Station 1  (PF&R’s headquarters), but every day assists countless people in our area and across the country. “We are very grateful to partner with Portland Fire & Rescue in honoring those who have lost their lives during service,” said Jeff Allen, CEO of the American Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region. “It is special to have two groups with a shared commitment to helping people in need come together on one lifesaving project. We look forward to a long and valued partnership.”

Potential donors are asked to sign up in advance for a time slot. You can access PF&R’s sign up page directly right here. Or  at www.redcrossblood.org by using the sponsor code PortlandFire. Or, those interested in donating can also get assistance signing up by calling PF&R’s front desk at 503-823-3700.

What: September 11 Memorial Blood Drive
When: Thursday, September 11, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Where: Portland Fire & Rescue Station 1, 55 SW Ash Street
Sign up: You can access PF&R’s sign up page directly right here. Or, go to  www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code PortlandFire. Or, call 503-823-3700.