Help save lives by giving blood

The American Red Cross will pay tribute to the strength and resilience shown by so many during the Boston Marathon Bombings six years ago with a with a week of community blood drives and donation center open hours April 8th – 12th.

In April 2013, the Red Cross sent 600 blood products to Boston area Hospitals in response to the Boston Marathon Bombings. Volunteer blood donations helped save hundreds of lives that day. ‘Boston Strong’ blood donors will always be part of a community who step up in times of urgent need. Here’s where you can donate during Boston Strong Blood Drive Week.

Monday April 8
Dedham Blood Donation Center
12:15 – 6:45 p.m.
180 Rustcraft Road, Dedham MA 02026
Schedule An Appointment

Tuesday April 9
Boston Blood Donation Center
12 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
274 Tremont St, Boston MA 02116
12 – 8:15 p.m.
Schedule An Appointment

Wednesday April 10
Dedham Blood Donation Center
7:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
180 Rustcraft Road, Dedham MA 02026
Schedule An Appointment

Thursday April 11
Northeastern University Police Department Blood Drive
Curry Student Center- McLeod Suites- Room 318, 320, 322
360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.   
Schedule An Appointment

Friday April 12
Boston City Hall
Hearing Room- 801
Boston, MA 02201
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Schedule An Appointment

Friday April 12
Transportation Building 
2nd Floor- Conference Room 1, 2, 3
10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Schedule An Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. How can someone find out if they are eligible to donate?
A. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org for further eligibility information.

Q. How can someone help if they are not eligible to donate?
A. Those who are unable to give blood can still encourage others to donate by creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive at RedCrossBlood.org/SleevesUp, volunteering or making a financial donation to support Red Cross humanitarian work across the country and around the world.

Q. What is the blood donation process? 
A. An eligible donor will register; go through a health history review where they will have their blood pressure, temperature and iron checked; and then, if eligible, they will donate blood and enjoy refreshments.

Q. How long does it take to donate blood?
A. The entire process takes about one hour and 15 minutes; the actual donation of a pint of whole blood takes eight to 10 minutes. A platelet donation takes approximately two to three hours. An automated Power Red donation takes about one hour and 25 minutes. However, the time varies slightly with each person depending on several factors including the donor's health history and attendance at the blood drive.

Donors can save time when they complete a RapidPass. With RapidPass, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation. RapidPass can be found at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.

Q. What should people do to prepare for a blood donation?
A. Potential donors should get a good night's sleep, eat a good meal, drink plenty of fluids and bring an ID and a list of medications they are taking with them to the blood drive. Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can save time when they complete a RapidPass. With RapidPass, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. RapidPass can be found at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.

Cox Media Group