A blood transfusion saved the life of Jana Rowland and her son during his birth 22 years ago. When she saw The American Legion hosting a two-day blood drive during its 105th National Convention in New Orleans with the American Red Cross, it was an easy yes for her to give.

“My son and I both almost passed. I was given two pints of blood, and it saved our life,” said Rowland, a chartering member of the new Auxiliary Unit 17 in Paragould, Ark. “I always donate blood when I can.”

The American Legion Blood Drive comes at a critical time for the American Red Cross as its national blood inventory fell more than 25% in July, causing an emergency blood shortage. A contributing factor to the blood shortage is the extreme heat that many states have faced this summer according to the Red Cross, which has impacted the hosting of 100 blood drives so far. This impact is adding to the supply shortage of type O blood which is in demand. Due to the shortage, Red Cross said it has had to reduce distributions of type O blood recently to “below hospital comfort levels.”

“Having type O blood products readily available is vital to providing timely and lifesaving care to patients in need,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, division chief medical officer for the Red Cross, in a press release. “In fact, for a patient suffering massive blood loss, like an individual in a car accident or a mom experiencing a severe postpartum hemorrhage, group O is the most commonly transfused blood type.

Arturo Chavez, commander of Post 118 in Chicago, is type O positive and donated blood during the Legion’s Blood Drive in New Orleans on Monday, Aug. 26.

“I know they can use my blood type,” Chavez said. “Whenever I can help, I usually donate. I’ve had family members who have needed transfusions, and I know my donation will help a fellow veteran or their family member. It only takes a little bit of time.”

The American Legion’s National Blood Donor Program was founded in 1942 to help local communities in a time of need. Blood drives held by American Legion posts in 2022-2023 had over 59,800 donors donate 100,784 pints of blood. Click here to learn how you help the Red Cross in this critical time of need by rolling up your sleeve. If you’re a post wanting to host a blood drive, set one up by starting here.

David Brewster, commander of Post 94 in Dresden, Tenn., has been donating blood for nearly 50 years. He first started in 1975 when he was 17 years old and about to enlist in the military.

“I saw the need for it when I saw the people who were my fellow veterans coming back (from Vietnam) who needed blood transfusions,” said Brewster, who gives blood four to six times a year and has donated around 20 gallons. And it’s not only blood Brewster gives to care for his community in need.

Brewster is A negative and an 11-year-old girl in Baltimore was his same blood type. She needed platelets which he donated to her for three years.

“It’s something that I can do that I don’t have to plan for; I’ve got it with me,” Brewster said. “I don’t mind running around being a pint low. It’s something I’ve done since I was 17. I’m 66 now and I’ll keep doing it until they tell me I need to keep my blood.”