Thursday, April 18, 2024

Mount Auburn Hospital is one of the partners in a Sunday blood drive in honor of MBTA Police Officer Dic Donohue, who was shot in Watertown in a gun battle with the suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing.

Sunday will be the one-year anniversary of the manhunt for the suspects and resulting shootout. Donohue was shot and rushed by ambulance to Mount Auburn Hospital, where doctors saved his life with tools and resources that included 46 blood products.

“We are inspired by Officer Donohue’s remarkable recovery this past year and are honored to join with his family, the Red Cross and the Watertown community for this special event,” said Michael O’Connell, vice president of planning and marketing for Mount Auburn Hospital.

After the April 15 bombing, the American Red Cross sent 600 blood products to Boston area hospitals, said Donna M. Morrissey, director of communications for the American Red Cross Northeast Division. “Having a sufficient blood supply is part of preparedness,” she said. “It’s the blood on the shelves today that help save lives tomorrow.”

The “Watertown Strong” blood drive is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Watertown High School, 50 Columbia St., Watertown. Make an appointment to donate at this or another drive by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) or by clicking here.