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Dic Donohue Hosts Blood Drive, Reminds Community To Be 'Boston Strong'

BOSTON (CBS) -- The day after Rolling Stone magazine debuted its August cover featuring the alleged Boston Marathon bomber, MBTA Officer Dic Donohue says to ignore the magazine's attempt at sensationalism and focus on being Boston Strong.

Listen to WBZ NewsRadio 1030's extended interview with Donohue

Dic Donohue Hosts Blood Drive, Reminds Community To Be 'Boston Strong'

Donohue nearly died after being shot during a violent manhunt between police and the Tsaranaev brothers. He lost almost all of his blood and required 26-units, approximately the amount of blood in two people, to survive.

On Thursday, Donohue is hosting a blood drive with the Red Cross at the Copley Marriott from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

He told WBZ NewsRadio 1030, the Rolling Stone cover distracts from Boston's strength.

"I think as a community we're not going to be phased by this," Donohue told WBZ. "It's certainly offensive to some, especially those who were deeply affected; who lost a loved one or were injured but as a whole, we're going to remain Boston strong."

Donohue says the cover took away from the actual story which he said "wasn't as controversial."

"I think it repulsed a large segment of the population that now aren't going to read the story or buy Rolling Stone magazine," he said. "It's a great thing being in America, we can make the choice we don't want to buy it or we don't want to sell it."

By Thursday morning, 150 people had registered to donate blood but hundreds more walk-ins were expected.

"I have to give a lot of credit to my wife, we thought it was going to be a small blood drive," Donohue said.

Donohue said he plans on being at the blood drive midday.

"Blood was everything to my survival," Donohue said. "Without that help, without those people that gave blood, I wouldn't be talking to you right now."

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