A record-breaking 1,811 units of blood were collected on Sunday at Fenway Park during the Day of Remembrance Blood Drive hosted by the American Red Cross, the Boston Red Sox and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
The event, which was co-sponsored by the City of Boston, Boston Police, Fire, and Emergency Services and Legal Sea Foods, set a new mark as the biggest single-day Red Cross blood drive held in the United States to commemorate those lost during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
"The American Red Cross is grateful for the thousands of people who came to Fenway Park to remember those who were lost, give blood and commemorate the 10th anniversary through community service," said Donna M. Morrissey, director of communications, American Red Cross Blood Services – Northeast Division. "It was heartwarming to see the outpouring of support and strength of community spirit gathered at Fenway Park for what has become the largest one day blood drive event on Sept. 11 in American Red Cross history."
The American Red Cross is always looking for blood donors to help contribute for those in need of blood. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16-year-olds may donate in Massachusetts with parental consent), weigh no less than 110 pounds and be in good general health. Appointments to donate blood can be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or online at redcrossblood.org.