Katrina Blood Drive

Dozens of people headed to the Edgewater Mall in Biloxi today, 8/29/2009, to give of themselves this Katrina anniversary. The 4th annual Katrina Memorial Blood drive is a big effort every year. A red cross spokesperson says they were trying to meet a goal of more than 200 pints of blood. They've held this event every year to remember those who were lost in the storm and the heroes of Katrina. Donation recipients say they're especially thankful.

“In January I was diagnosed with leukemia, and without the blood donations I wouldn’t be here today,” says blood recipient Kathy Messier. “I've probably had over 10 units of blood and so I wanted to come down and thank everybody.” Organizers say there's still an urgent need for donations. All blood types are welcome but negative blood types are in short supply.