Twenty-five years ago, the September 11 attacks changed our nation forever. We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the courage and sacrifice of first responders, and the countless survivors, families and communities whose lives were forever changed.
In the hours and days that followed, Americans responded with an extraordinary outpouring of compassion and service, including thousands of people who lined up to donate blood. For many, rolling up their sleeves was one immediate and tangible way to help during a moment of tremendous uncertainty.
In the week immediately following 9/11, more than 2,800 people came forward to donate blood through Blood Bank of Delmarva, an extraordinary outpouring of service that was more than 70% above the number of donations BBD sees in a typical week today.
In the 25 years since, communities have continued to come together each September for remembrance blood drives, honoring September 11 as a Day of Service and carrying forward the extraordinary spirit of compassion that emerged in the wake of the attacks.
That spirit of service continues this year through BBD’s longstanding partnership with Dover Motor Speedway. On Friday, September 11, 2026, BBD and Dover Motor Speedway will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with the 21st annual 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive. Held at The Monster Mile each year since 2006, the drive gives community members an opportunity to honor the lives lost on September 11 through an act of service that directly helps patients throughout the region.
The drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Following their donation, registered participants will have the opportunity to drive their personal vehicles on Dover Motor Speedway’s high-banked, one-mile concrete oval and receive a commemorative T-shirt. Donors can call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit Blood Bank of Delmarva’s website to make an appointment.
The impact of 9/11 also continues to be felt today. Many survivors and first responders are living with cancers and other serious illnesses linked to their exposure, and blood and platelet transfusions can be an important part of treatment for cancer patients.
The need for blood extends far beyond 9/11-related illnesses. Every day, patients rely on donated blood for cancer treatment, surgeries and transplants, serious injuries, childbirth and chronic blood disorders. Because blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life, hospitals depend on people donating regularly so blood is available whenever a patient needs it.
As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, we remember the lives lost, honor the courage and sacrifice of first responders, and stand with the survivors and families who continue to carry the impact of that day.
We also remember the extraordinary compassion that emerged in its aftermath: neighbors helping neighbors and communities coming together in service to one another. Twenty-five years later, we invite you to carry that spirit forward by giving blood and giving hope to someone in need.
