STATE — A concerning shortfall in blood donations last month could stress the American Red Cross blood supply. The Red Cross collected over 26,000 fewer blood donations than needed in May to meet the needs of patients. The need for blood is constant, with someone needing a blood transfusion in the U.S. every two seconds. Platelet donors are especially needed at this
time. The public can help ensure continuity for patients by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now and in the weeks ahead.
World Blood Donor Day, gifts for donors
June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, a day meant to raise awareness of the need for a safe, diverse, and stable blood supply and to recognize volunteer blood donors. This is the perfect time to give, especially for those who haven’t given in a while, or who have never given before. Northern New England blood donor Elizabeth O’Brien has been rolling up her sleeve for years after learning her O-negative blood type was universally accepted by all patients.
“It could be a baby needing blood or someone in a car accident – people all around the nation could use that blood and my blood could go to all of them. It feels empowering to know you can make a difference in any one of those people’s lives,” she said. Elizabeth lost her own mother to cancer but credits blood donation with extending and improving her mother’s quality of life during her battle with the disease. “She was only 53 years old. So every single minute that got extended, we were grateful to have. That’s what I think about when I’m giving blood. I don’t care if it’s a minute, an hour, a day, a year, that blood that goes to extend time with a loved one is precious,” she concluded.
In thanks for taking the time to help, all who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give throughout June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
Help the Red Cross celebrate World Blood Donor Day and meet the critical needs of patients. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities, June 8-30:
Bridgton
6/29/2023: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Masonic Hall, 166 Harrison Road, Route 117
Norway
6/13/2023: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Stephens Memorial Hospital, Ripley Medical Building, 193 Main St.
Rumford
6/20/2023: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Legion, 184 Congress St.
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. 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. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Amplify your impact − volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in, and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, contact or visit redcross.org/volunteerNNE.
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