Versiti honoring 9/11 first responders with 'Hope' Memorial Blood Drive

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin will honor first responders with a "Hope" Memorial Blood Drive on Friday, Sept. 11.

Dozens of locations in the Milwaukee-area will be open for people to donate. The biggest one is at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panther Arena in downtown Milwaukee. The drive is from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

"In the days that followed the horrific attack of September 11, blood donors lined up throughout the country to donate blood in a gesture of humanity, patriotism and community," Versiti said in a news release.

"By the end of the week, thousands of blood donations were made at Versiti’s blood centers and local community drives. Today, our community continues to fight together as the COVID-19 pandemic surges on. Versiti is asking for the same support we saw 19 years ago as we honor those we lost by helping to provide the life-saving blood needed to help hospital patients in our community."

If you'd like to help donate, you're encouraged to make an appointment. CLICK HERE for a full list of locations participating in the Hope Memorial Blood Drive. 

Giving blood is an expression of hope. You are invited to donate at a 9/11 “Hope” memorial blood drive in honor of those who lost their lives and those who answered the call of service on 9/11. Make an appointment: https://t.co/4dyQG8Gk7Epic.twitter.com/wb9Jvak7ws

— Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin (@BloodCenterWI) September 10, 2020