Lifelines (Fall 2001) - A Testament to the American Spirit

A Testament to the American Spirit

	The American flag hangs proudly at BCP Headquarters. (Photo by Geoff Goselin)

“A day that will live in infamy.” Many have heard those words before in history books and in the movies, little did anyone realize that September 11th, 2001, would echo the same sentiments, if not more, of what was to come that morning.

When news of the tragedy at New York’s World Trade Center, followed by the attack at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and the crash near Pittsburgh spread, Northern California residents, as well as the rest of the nation, responded immediately with selfless acts.

Just hours after the attacks, thousands of blood donors – from all walks of life, both young and old, rolled up their sleeves to give the gift of life. Hundreds of volunteers donated their time and scores of local businesses donated food, merchandise, flowers and more. The community came together as one.

On the day of the tragedy alone, more than 1,500 people came to donate blood at BCP sites and thousands more called in to schedule appointments to give blood. Many had never given blood before, some were even afraid, but everyone wanted to help. Some patiently waited in line for hours to give. The community’s generosity is a true testament to the spirit of giving.

Normally, BCP imports 25 percent of its blood from other regions in the country and with all U.S. airports shut down, BCP could neither receive blood nor send our samples to our Arizona testing facility. A plan was quickly devised. Blood samples were driven to Reno, Nevada and then airlifted to the testing facility in Tempe with the help of the Air National Guard, and as for our blood supply...

The tremendous influx of blood donors at BCP, as well as across the nation resulted in blood donation numbers tripling the usual number. In fact, staff members became concerned about the amount of supplies we had to collect blood in, as we were unable to receive our normal shipments of blood bags, tubes, etc. The response was so overwhelming that BCP had to do something it had never done before: ask blood donors to consider donating blood at a later date.

The September 11th tragedy affected us all. Things may never be the same, but the human spirit is strong and will prevail. America needed you and you came. For this, we want to say, “Thank you.”

It is important to remember that we will need your help again in the future, especially during the holiday season when blood shortages are most likely to occur.

If you would like to make an appointment to donate blood in memory of the victims of the tragedy, please call 1-888-393-GIVE or make an appointment online at www.bloodcenters.org.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and we wish healing and hope for the people of our nation.