Sept. 11 is the nation’s largest day of charitable engagement. This year, the American Red Cross and 9/11 Day have partnered to encourage people across the country to give blood as their way to remember and pay tribute to the Sept. 11 victims and those who rose in service in response to the attacks.

Like the emergency room of a hospital, the Red Cross must be prepared to respond to the blood needs of patients 24/7. It’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives.

Donations are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients in need. Donors with types AB, O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to donate. Plasma from type AB donors can be transfused to patients of any blood type, as can type O negative blood. Type B negative and A negative blood can be transfused to Rh-positive or negative patients. These are the most in demand blood types and are in constant need.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

– article submitted by Rebecca Cummings

Upcoming blood donation opportunity:

Monday, Sept. 19                                

Holy Cross Episcopal Church                                    

150 Melrose Avenue, Tryon   

12:30–5 p.m.