DAY OF REMEMBRANCE BLOOD DRIVE TO TAKE PLACE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 AT FENWAY PARK

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE BLOOD DRIVE TO TAKE PLACE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 AT FENWAY PARK

BOSTON, MA – The Red Sox, the American Red Cross, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center will host the 14^thannual Day of Remembrance Blood Drive at Fenway Park on Friday, September 11, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Those who are eligible are invited to donate blood in honor of those lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Those interested in donating blood can enter the ballpark through Gate D located on the corner of Yawkey Way and Van Ness Street. The World Series Trophies will be on hand for photos and all participating donors will be eligible for $12 discounted tours of Fenway Park.  Since its inception in 2002, the annual blood drive has collected nearly 10,000 units of blood with the potential to help up to 30,000 people.

“The Red Cross is happy to continue to partner with the Boston Red Sox and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to host the Day of Remembrance Blood Drive and we encourage all those who can to give blood this Friday at Fenway Park,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “In working with the Red Sox, Beth Israel, and the community, we hope to honor those lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks by helping others survive.”

Donors of all blood types – especially types O negative, A negative and B negative – and platelet donors are urged to give. To make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org/fenway or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross has entered into a new national partnership with 9/11 Day, the largest charitable initiative in the United States. Last year, more than 40 million people observed September 11 by performing good deeds to help others. The goal of 9/11 Day is to keep alive the spirit of unity and compassion that arose in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, providing a positive, helpful way for people to annually remember and pay tribute to the 9/11 victims, and honor those that rose in service in response to the attacks.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in Massachusetts), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

--RED SOX--