Our September Red Cross blood drive sponsored by Westport American Legion August Matthias Post 63 held on Wednesday, September 22nd truly made a difference! Our team registered 34 total donors, collected 31 pints of blood and recruited 8 first-time donors. Our team efforts have helped boost the community blood supply and ensure hospital patients have the lifesaving blood they need.
For planning purposes, our next Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12th between 11am-4pm. Please Call 1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment or click here https://www.redcrossblood.org/.
VFW Post 399 Color Guard superbly supported the Catch A Lift 7th Annual Westport Warrior Weekend to commemorate the 20th Year Remembrance since 9/11 at Compo Beach ceremony held on Friday, September 10th. Guest speakers shared their personal journeys throughout the years. Everyone enjoyed the event and opportunity to feel relaxed and comfortable in the midst of recent events during the sunset 9/11 Special Remembrance. Since Catch A Lift founding in 2010, the organization has helped thousands of post 9/11 combat wounded veterans regain their mental and physical health through gym memberships, in home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs and a peer support network.
On average, twenty veterans die by suicide each day. To spotlight suicide prevention in September, VA is providing guidance for veterans who need support or for anyone to provide support to a veteran. VA Reach Out campaign outlines five things we all can do now: reach out, hear veteran stories, be prepared, find resources, and spread the word. For any veteran in crisis, you are not alone. The Veteran Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone (1.800.273.8255, press 1), text (838255), or online chat by visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net.
