7 September 2005

Sebelius: “In Katrina’s wake, every Kansan is answering the call for compassion”
Governor organizes state employees to donate at Capitol blood drive

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Answering a national plea from the American Red Cross for increased donations of blood to address the critical need arising from last week’s devastating hurricane, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced she has organized a blood drive for state employees later this week.

“Since the unprecedented flooding and devastation in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama began, Kansans across our state have answered the nationwide call for compassion,” Governor Sebelius said. “State employees are no exception, and giving blood is yet another way we can demonstrate that, in America, we take care of our own.”

The Governor’s Blood Drive, conducted by the Community Blood Center, will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 9, in the first floor Rotunda of the Kansas Capitol building.

“This is another example of the charity and compassion the people of Kansas have to offer America in a time of crisis,” said Governor Sebelius. “As Governor, I am exceedingly proud and profoundly grateful for the generosity and spirit of community on display in our state following Hurricane Katrina.”

Sebelius also encouraged state employees working outside Topeka to visit their local community blood banks and donate.

As Governor Sebelius will be attending the Governor’s Day at the State Fair in Hutchinson this Friday, she will visit the Community Blood Center at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 8, to give blood.

“Every Kansan across the state can be a part of the recovery effort,” the Governor said.

Santa Fe Trail High School in Carbondale will also be holding an open blood drive on Friday, from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm, to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Last week, Governor Sebelius ordered members of the Kansas National Guard to participate in relief and recovery operations in the flood-ravaged Gulf states. As of today, there are 230 Kansas guardsmen and women deployed in the area. The Governor also proclaimed Sunday, September 4, 2005, an official Day of Prayer, Compassion, and Hope for the victims of the hurricane disaster.

The Community Blood Bank is located at 800 SW Lane, Topeka.