LEWISTON – LifeFlight of Maine will team up with the American Red Cross and three of Maine’s most busy hospitals early next week to replenish the state’s blood supply.

A blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at 12 High St., Central Maine Medical Center.

Other drive locations will be at the Portland Donor Center, sponsored by Maine Medical Center, 524 Forest Ave., from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, and Eastern Maine Medical Center, State Street, Bangor, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5.

“LifeFlight of Maine’s interest in promoting the American Red Cross blood drives began during a particularly worrisome blood shortage more than a year ago,” said Lori Metayer, RN and program coordinator for LifeFlight.

“Like other emergency care providers, LifeFlight crews understand the essential role that blood products play in saving lives, both in the field and in the emergency room. Because of the organization’s high public visibility, LifeFlight management and flight crews believed they could make a positive contribution to the blood drives by focusing attention on the blood product needs of the state.”

January is usually a difficult month for blood centers to collect blood donations, due to fewer people donating during the holidays, poor weather and more people getting sick. A reduction in turnout can put blood inventories at a critical low; as a result January has been made National Volunteer Blood Donor Month.

To show their appreciation, LifeFlight calendars will be distributed to all donors and donors in Lewiston and Bangor will have the opportunity to see the LifeFlight helicopter.

Most healthy adults can give blood through the American Red Cross. Anyone at least 17 years of age, weighing at least 110 pounds and in good health may be eligible to donate blood. First-time donors are encouraged. Bring a friend.

Appointments are encouraged for all drives, but walk-ins are welcome. Call the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment.