Stephanie Millian

I'll never forget September 11, 2001. I was at my desk in the New England Region when the attacks occurred. Within hours, people were lined up outside blood donation centers across the country, eager to help. As the blood supply quickly became strong and it became clear there would be few survivors needing transfusions, I believed it was important to communicate honestly with the public. I issued a press release throughout New England encouraging people to support the response in other meaningful ways rather than continue donating blood unnecessarily. It was a reminder that our responsibility isn't just to inspire people to act—it's also to provide clear, accurate guidance when circumstances change.