Firefighters, Boy Scouts and Legionnaires to host blood drive on Nov. 7
MADISON – Three groups in Madison, well known for their outreach to help residents, have banded together for an event that will “give the gift of life.”
Madison American Legion, Post 229; Boy Scouts of Troop 201; and firefighters with Madison Fire and Rescue Department have collaborated to sponsor a joint blood drive.
The drive’s venue will be Madison Fire Station, no. 1 at 101 Mill Road, which is adjacent to Madison City Hall. The blood drive on Nov. 7 will start at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.
The only prerequisite to give blood is good health, according to LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. LifeSouth employees will complete screenings to confirm that a donor has no health problems.
To schedule an appointment in advance, visit the LifeSouth link at lifesouth. org. Scheduling an appointment is the best option, but an individual can donate blood without an appointment.
“The American Legion Post is supporting the drive as the charter organization (sponsor) to the Boy Scouts. The Madison Fire Department is participating in support of the Scouts and community, as well,” ret. U.S. Air Force Col. Larry Vannoy said. Vannoy serves as Commander of Madison American Legion, Post 229 and is a member of the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs.
Scouts who are pursuing the Health Care Professionals Merit Badge can complete one of the key requirements by supporting the blood drive. “The hope is to make this a recurring event, which provides a much-needed resource to our local community while providing an avenue for Scouts throughout the area to work towards a Merit Badge,” Vannoy said.
“Under the American Legion’s pillar of Americanism, our organization builds enthusiasm for public service among young people through such programs as the Scouts of America,” Vannoy said. “This blood drive also supports an American Legion initiative that dates back to Pearl Harbor and World War II.”
During 1942, American Legion worldwide posts collected blood for the American Red Cross to cover growing needs for plasma in war fronts and home fronts. The American Legion National Blood Donor Program emerged in the 1940s and is as relevant today as during World War II.
“Hosting blood drives is in the fabric of the American Legion’s mission, and we look forward to supporting this joint effort for many years,” Vannoy said.
For more information, visit AmericanLegion-Post229.org, Facebook/ American Legion Post 229 or lifesouth.org.
