Lewiston – The American Red Cross will hold a dedicated blood drive for Nicole Woodward, a 16-year-old junior at Leavitt Area High School ,on Monday, Nov. 1.

Woodward recently was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“Nicole has been through a lot in the past three weeks, but with the love and support she is receiving from family and friends, we will make it through this,” said her mother, Alice. “I just want people to know that donating blood is very important; donating blood ultimately saves people’s lives, and I am thankful for that.”

According to the American Red Cross Blood Services, 300 units of blood are needed every day to treat Maine patients. The Red Cross supplies blood and blood products to 37 hospitals throughout Maine. What most people don’t realize is that it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps saves lives.

The dedicated blood drive will be held at Pine Tree Retirement Planning at the 155 Center Street Plaza. Donor hours are from 2 to 7 p.m. Interested donors are encouraged to call the Red Cross at 1-800-482-0743 to schedule an approximate time of arrival. Also, a blood drive is being held on the same day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lewiston-Auburn College, Westminster Street, Lewiston.

WHO CAN GIVE BLOOD?

Donors must:

• Be at least 17 years of age

• Weigh at least 110 pounds

• Be in generally good health

• Have NOT received a tattoo in the past year

• Have NOT donated whole blood within the past 56 days.

What: Dedicated blood drive

When: Monday, Nov. 1

Where: Center Street Plaza, Auburn

To schedule an appointment, please call the American Red Cross Blood Services at 1-800-482-0743.