American Red Cross Hosts Blood Drives Commemorating Boston Marathon Bombings

Written by Alison Bauter (Patch Staff)

WATERTOWN, MA – The American Red Cross is partnering with community leaders to host three blood drives to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings and pay tribute to the resilience shown by so many following the attacks.

The Watertown blood drive will be held April 16 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Watertown High School, 50 Columbia St.

According to a press release, in April 2013, the Red Cross sent 600 blood products to Boston area hospitals in response to the Boston Marathon bombings.

Blood donations helped save lives in the aftermath of the attacks and events in Watertown. That includes the life of now-retired MBTA Transit Police Sergeant Dic Donohue, who needed 46 blood products to survive after being shot during a gun battle with the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, the press release said.

Presenting donors will received a free pass to Six Flags New England, which the Red Cross notes cannot be transferred or redeemed for cash.