Blood drive to honor late fire captain

The American Red Cross is holding two blood drives in memory of local area resident Capt. Jeff Bowen. The first drive will be held from 8 am to 5:30 pm on Thursday (Sept. 1) at the Asheville Fire Department, 100 Court Plaza. For those unable to make that date, a followup drive has been scheduled for 9 am to 1 pm on Monday (Sept. 5) at Skyland Fire Department on Hendersonville Road in Skyland.

Bowen died in the line of duty while fighting a fire July 28 near Mission Hospitals. Burn victims, as well as automobile accident victims and cancer patients often need blood transfusions to survive. A single donation can be divided into its components and can help to save the lives of up to three people.

To schedule an appointment for the blood drive at Asheville Fire, please contact Barbara Berry at 259-5636. To schedule an appointment for the blood drive at Skyland Fire, please contact Katie Presley at 684-9092 ext. 305.