9/11/2001 - 25 Years Later

A quarter-century has passed, but we will never forget.

25 years ago, in the face of a national tragedy, Americans came together to help strangers, save lives, and Put Good into the World. Today, we remember those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001 and reaffirm our commitment to serving communities in their time of need.

For those of us involved in transfusion medicine, the response to 9/11 remains a powerful reminder of the generosity of blood donors. Across the Midwest and throughout the country, people stood in long lines, sometimes stretching out the door and around the block, waiting patiently for the opportunity to donate. Their instinct to help was immediate and heartfelt, and the generosity behind it was a profound reflection of the goodness of the human spirit.

However, the tremendous outpouring of support ultimately created a surge in the blood supply that was largely unnecessary. The experience also taught our industry an important lesson: the best preparation for a disaster begins long before disaster strikes. A safe and resilient blood supply depends on consistent, routine donation throughout the year, not just in moments of crisis. When an emergency does occur, the response should be guided by actual need and coordinated among blood providers so that donors' generosity can have the greatest possible impact.

Read more about it on our blog here!

International Influencers Inbound!

I-L-L! I-L-L!

We were excited to help welcome English social media stars Josh and Jase to the University of Illinois campus as part of their Tailgate Tour with Abbott and the Big Ten We Give Blood Drive! The two have more than 3.2 million followers across Facebook and Instagram, accumulated while documenting their American experiences. The two were at the College of Veterinary Medicine Wednesday to raise awareness about donating blood, with plans to visit every Big Ten campus!

We were pleased to introduce Josh and Jase to the Bentz family and Ian the Cancer Wrangler! The Brits were interested in hearing Ian’s story and learning more about childhood cancer and just how important blood products are to kids like him.

Both Josh and Jase said while giving blood may seem scary, helping others makes the donation more than worth it. “There’s this misconception that donating blood is this scary thing,” said Joshua Cauldwell-Clarke of Josh & Jase. “It’s actually a really good experience. So, get rid of that misconception, get out there and save up to three lives.”

Watch the story about their visit on WCIA!

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Back in the Giving Game

Dedicated coordinators are the heart of a successful blood drive! Hill Correctional Facility hosted their first drive in seven years thanks to Miranda. She's been coordinating blood drives for more than a decade, serving at three different Illinois correctional facilities and inspiring her teams to roll up their sleeves and save lives.

We're grateful for Miranda's dedication and the impact she makes on the communities we serve.

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Double Donors' Good for Cancer Patients

We’re excited to team up with Blood Cancer United this September for Blood Cancer Awareness Month! Together, we’re raising awareness about blood cancers, sharing stories about the patients who rely on blood transfusions, and showing our communities how they can help.

Blood is medicine for cancer patients, and every donation helps make sure that medicine is ready when patients need it. Through February 2027, Blood Cancer United will also be a featured charity in our Good Giving program. That means blood donors can double their good and send their gift from us to Blood Cancer United, turning one act of generosity into even more good for blood cancer patients and their families.

Check out our Blood Cancer United collab web page here!

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