Memorial Blood Centers Teams Up with American Legion Conventioneers to Save Lives
ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When members of American Legion posts across the U.S. gather on August 26 for the start of their 93rd annual national convention in Minneapolis, Memorial Blood Centers will be there to pay tribute to their heroism and provide a unique opportunity for them to continue their legacy of saving lives. For three full days—August 26, 27, and 29—Memorial Blood Centers will be onsite at the Minneapolis Convention Center, welcoming Legionnaires who step up and make a blood donation.
What: National American Legion - Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive
When: Friday, August 26, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 27, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Monday, August 29, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
Why: Every two seconds someone needs blood
Blood cannot be synthetically made; there is no substitute
Only volunteer blood donors can save lives
Minneapolis was the site of the first American Legion National Convention in 1919, following the close of the First World War. Shortly after the end of WWII, in 1948, Memorial Blood Centers was founded: originally named the Minneapolis War Memorial Blood Bank to honor those who gave their lives during what is considered the deadliest conflict in history.
"Memorial Blood Centers shares a long and storied history with the American Legion of serving a greater purpose and saving lives," Brian Googins, Memorial Blood Centers' Donor Recruitment Representative said. "That's why we are especially proud to be partnering to host this special blood drive and celebrating the organization's return to Minneapolis for its national convention."
"Working with us throughout the year as blood drive sponsors, local Legion posts play an integral role in helping ensure that we are able to supply our hospitals with a steady supply of life-saving blood. And throughout the days of the national convention, we invite everyone to find out more about getting involved in our life-saving mission—as a blood donor, a blood drive sponsor, a volunteer, or a financial contributor. There are lots of ways to give to others through Memorial Blood Centers," Googins added.
More than 10,000 Legionnaires and others are expected to be in Minneapolis for the 93rd National Convention—the nation's largest gathering of veterans and their families. President Barack Obama has accepted an invitation from American Legion National Commander Jimmie L. Foster to speak in person August 30 to convention attendees.
About Memorial Blood Centers
Memorial Blood Centers has been saving lives for over 60 years as an independent nonprofit supplying life-saving blood to area hospitals and other partners throughout the U.S. Operating 11 donor centers and conducting hundreds of blood drives each month. Memorial Blood Centers also provides comprehensive testing and expert technical services as a national leader in transfusion medicine. For more information, call 888-GIVE-BLD or visit MBC.org.
SOURCE Memorial Blood Centers
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