By Staff
DONATING Angela Lopez gives blood Tuesday at the United Blood Services in Meridian. Also pictured is United Blood Services technician, Gloria Simpson. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Penny Randall/The Meridian Star
Sept. 12, 2001
People turned out by the dozens Tuesday to donate blood at Meridian's United Blood Services all in an effort to help people injured when terrorists attacked New York City and Washington.
Angela Lopez, a native of Pensacola, Fla., has been living in Meridian for just three months. She moved to town when her husband, an assistant manager at McRae's, was transferred.
United Blood Services was swamped with calls Tuesday from people wanting to help. Area businesses also offered to hold blood drives; a planned blood drive at Naval Air Station Meridian this week was canceled because of heightened security.
The center is preparing to ship blood to the emergency scene as soon as possible. Smith said, "We've not yet been called to provide blood, but fully expect that call to come in the next day or two."
United Blood Services is working through the American Association of Blood Banks. Smith said residents should continue to donate because blood and platelets will be needed over the next several weeks.
Penny Randall is an editorial assistant at The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3216, or e-mail her at prandall@themeridianstar.com.