Portland Fire & Rescue and the American Red Cross are joining together for the second 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 Friday, Sept. 11 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Station 1, 55 SW Ash St.

Building on the success of last year's event, the Red Cross is expanding the capacity of the drive this year - with a goal to collect 100 pints of blood. 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.

Portland Fire Chief Erin Janssens kicked off the blood drive last year because she wanted to offer an avenue of action for those marking this solemn day that has deep significance for first responders.

"On September 11th, our nation's resilience was tested. One way to honor the selfless act of our colleagues and to remember the nearly 3000 people who lost their lives is to join together as a community to strengthen our emergency resources," Janssens says. "Our drive last year was a great success and I know we can top it this year and bring in 100 pints of life saving blood."

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

"September 11th showed us that we must always be ready for the unimaginable. 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," he 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."

"We are thankful for the opportunity to again partner with Portland Fire & Rescue in this lifesaving effort," said Jared Schultzman, communications manager for the Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region. "Donating blood is a meaningful way to honor those whose lives were lost during the Sept. 11 attacks, while also helping those whose lives depend on blood transfusions today."

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: Friday, September 11, 7 am to 6 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

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