WTWO and Versiti hold Patriot Day Blood Drive

GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — WTWO teamed up, once again, with Versiti Blood Centers for the annual Patriot Day Blood Drive.

This event is done in remembrance of September 11th.

On the days that followed September 11th, 2001, Americans showed support to the victims of the attack by donating blood.

Members of Versiti say that giving blood was monumental in the recovery of victims.

I understand I wasn’t working for Versiti at the time, but the cars were lined up after the tragic event for people to donate blood because they wanted to find out what do I do. How can I help?

Shelly Shearer – Senior Accounting Rep. – Versiti Blood Center of Indiana

The Patriot Day Blood Drive is a two-day event, at two different locations.

Tuesday, WTWO and Versiti were at Baesler’s Market in Terre Haute. Wednesday, the truck was at Greene County General Hospital in Linton.

The CEO of the hospital says being a part of something good on a day like this feels great.

On a day that so many lives were taken, I think this is a great way to memorialize that by giving back and giving to be able to save lives. That’s why, it’s just such an important day, that we remember it and that we don’t forget. That’s why we are just so happy to be a part of this blood drive to do that.

Brenda Reetz – CEO – Greene County General Hospital

Throughout the day, the blood mobile was full of members of the local community, helping out their neighbors. However, Greene County Hospital wasn’t surprised at the support.

“Greene County has always been the type of community that just steps up. When somebody needs something, the community comes out in droves to just help. It’s not surprising, but it does, it just warms my heart to know that this community just wants to help. This is one of those things where it takes a life to give life, so you have to have others that are willing to donate and give and that’s just who Greene County is. It’s great.”

Versiti says that across the country, there has been a decline in donors and seeing the bus full Wednesday means many lives saved.

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