Convention a prime venue for blood drive
American Legion National Commander Mike Helm gives blood at the 97th National Convention in Baltimore. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion

Convention a prime venue for blood drive

Dennis Henkemeyer of Bagley, Minn., was the first American Legion member in line when The Red Cross began what was billed as “National Commander Helm’s Blood Drive” in Baltimore Friday morning.

“I just started giving blood,” Henkemeyer said before he went behind a curtain to have his vital signs checked. “I had always been afraid I would pass out. Then, a year ago, I gave for the first time, and it was a snap.”

The drive at the 97th American Legion National Convention is especially important because blood often runs low in the summer months, and veterans are especially good givers, said Linda Kane, donor recruitment representative for the Red Cross in Baltimore. Once a pint of blood is drawn, it only has seven days of shelf life, Kane said, creating constant need to replenish the supply.

“I was really excited about this event,” she said. “I knew it would be a great turnout. Veterans are very loyal.”

American Legion National Commander Mike Helm was second to arrive Friday morning. A frequent giver, he first donated blood at an American Legion national convention about 20 years ago, he said. “I do this whenever I get time,” he said. “I want The American Legion to reinvigorate emphasis on blood drives and our donor program.”

The Red Cross will continue the drive in Halls D and E of the Baltimore Convention Center from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Monday, and from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday.

More than 50,000 American Legion members donate more than 81,000 pints of blood a year, according to recent national consolidated post reports.