Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
FARMINGTON, Utah (Sept. 2, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Utah is honoring The Major Brent Taylor Foundation Davis Remembers 9/11 project by holding a blood drive on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Davis Legacy Events Center, 151 S 1100 W. The event is an immersive, multi-media indoor exhibit highlighting the events of 9/11, including the aftermath and military action.
Residents can also meet police, firefighters, military members, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders, Sept. 7-10, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the Davis Legacy Events Center.
“The American Red Cross of Utah wants to honor those who were lost in the attack and military members who fought after, with a blood drive,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Northern Utah & Southwest Wyoming Chapter. “People in our community donating life-saving blood is a meaningful way to mark the tragic events surrounding 9/11.”
Jennie Taylor, widow of Maj. Brent Taylor, helped organize the Davis Remembers 9/11 Project through the foundation dedicated to her late husband. He was serving as the mayor of North Ogden when he took a leave to serve his fourth deployment in Afghanistan. In November 2018, he was killed in an attack in Kabul, marking the first time since the Civil War a sitting U.S. elected official was killed in action.
“Our community and our country came together after 9/11, and we wanted to create an experience that showed people what life was like before and after the attack,” said Jennie Taylor. “By donating blood, we can honor those who were killed in the attack, as well as those who after, willing gave their lives for us.”
In addition, the Davis Remembers 9/11 Project blood drive comes at an important time, according to the American Red Cross. “Our organization has faced a concerning drop in blood donations this summer, causing the Red Cross blood supply to shrink nearly 20% in recent weeks,” Smauldon reports. “The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase.”
Those who wish to donate on Sept. 8 are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the blood drive at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS and using the RSVP sponsor code. The blood drive is sponsored by the Davis County AmeriCorps Seniors.
“By choosing to give now, donors are helping to boost the current and future blood supply, supporting those already in need of emergency lifesaving care or dependent on transfusions for medical treatment,” Smauldon said. “And any of us – our friends, family, neighbors – could be in an accident some day or become ill and need blood.”
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.