Commemorating September 11 With a Fenway Park Blood Drive
We've been hearing about the drought's impact on the SouthCoast, but you probably haven't heard about the drought of blood donations that are critical here and around the Commonwealth.
"We're facing the worst blood shortage in the past decade," said Jeff Hall at Redcross.org.
Paying tribute to the thousands of innocent people who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, hundreds of people will assemble at Fenway Park this Sunday, September 11, for the annual day of remembrance blood drive.
"Donors from all across the state are expected to mark the anniversary by rolling up a sleeve and giving the gift of life," Hall said. "This annual in-service event not only honors the lives lost, but it also gives people the chance to make a difference, especially in a young cancer patient's life. Imagine how hard it is for a parent to take their sick child home without the proper treatment they need, because of a shortage of blood."
Type O-positive blood, type O-negative blood, and platelets are the most needed right now, "but all blood types are urgently needed to suppress the blood crises. New and regular blood types are needed now more than ever," said Hall.
It will be a full day, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., where attendees can snap photos with the World Series trophies and get an insider's look of the brand new 521 Overlook, where the blood drive will be taking place, a 7,000 square-foot venue located in centerfield that offers some magnificent views of Fenway Park. The name is a reference to the number of home runs Ted Williams hit during his storied career, and coincidentally, the approximate distance in feet to home plate.
All those who come out to donate blood will receive a commemorative t-shirt.
According to the American Red Cross, blood donations have declined significantly since the pandemic spread with a 62 percent decline in college blood drives.
To do a good turn on the anniversary of 9/11, donate blood at Fenway Park.