PORTLAND, Maine, March 11, 2024 — As spring approaches, the American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to continue to strengthen the national blood supply. People of all blood types – especially those with type O blood – are critical to ensuring hospitals can meet the daily demand for lifesaving transfusions.

During Red Cross Month in March, the Red Cross celebrates the volunteers and blood and platelet donors who are critical to ensuring those in need receive relief and care. Help can’t wait – to book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. As a thank-you, all who come to give by March 24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus a chance to win one of five $3,000 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Pets for details.

Additionally, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures to celebrate the epic new film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and to invite donors to rise together and give blood. When donors share their strength by giving March 25-April 7, they’ll get an exclusive Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. © 2024 Legendary and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved GODZILLA TM & © TOHO CO., Ltd.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 15-31

Androscoggin
Auburn
3/19/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saint Dominic, 121 Gracelawn Rd
3/29/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Central Maine Community College, 1250 Turner St

Greene
3/30/2024: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Greene Fire Department, 106 Patten Road

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Cumberland
Brunswick
3/15/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., American Legion Post 20, 1 Columbus Drive
3/18/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Thornton Oaks Retirement Community, 25 Thornton Way
3/23/2024: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Saint Pauls Church, 27 Pleasant Street
3/27/2024: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Elks Lodge, 179 Park Row

Falmouth
3/20/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Episcopal Church of St. Mary, 43 Foreside Rd

Freeport
3/26/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn Freeport, 5 Park Street

Gorham
3/28/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cressey Road Christian Church, 81 Cressey Road

Gray
3/19/2024: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Gray New Gloucester High School, 10 Libby Hill Road

North Yarmouth
3/29/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wescustogo Hall and Community Center, 120 Memorial Hwy

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Scarborough
3/21/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saint Maximilian Church, 150 Black Point Rd

South Portland
3/18/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., South Portland Community Center, 21 Nelson Road
3/27/2024: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Eastpoint Christian Church, 345 Clarks Pond Pkwy

Westbrook
3/29/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge Street

Windham
3/20/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., North Windham Veterans Center, 35 Veterans Memorial Drive

Franklin
Rangeley
3/15/2024: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Rangeley Health and Wellness, 25 Dallas Hill Rd

Strong
3/22/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Mount Abram High School, 1513 Salem Road

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Hancock
Ellsworth
3/19/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Ellsworth Elks Lodge 2743, 317 High Street

Orland
3/15/2024: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Orland United Methodist Church, 24 Narramissic Drive

Kennebec
Augusta
3/25/2024: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive, P.O. Box 2206

South China
3/16/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Central Church, 627 Rte 3

Waterville
3/27/2024: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., YMCA of Greater Waterville, 126 North Street

Knox
Rockland
3/27/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Flanagan Community Center, 61 Limerock Street

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Rockport
3/26/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., YMCA, 116 Union St

Lincoln
Damariscotta
3/28/2024: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Central Lincoln County YMCA, 525 Main Street

Oxford
Porter
3/18/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Porter Town Hall, 71 Main St

Sagadahoc
Bath
3/29/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Morse High School, 826 Shipbuilders Drive

Richmond
3/28/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Enterprise Grange #48, 15 Alexander Reed Road

Topsham
3/14/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., ARC Mid Coast Chapter, 16 Community Way
3/21/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., ARC Mid Coast Chapter, 16 Community Way

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York
Biddeford
3/26/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Rd
3/27/2024: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Rd

Buxton
3/28/2024: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Buxton United Methodist Church, 276 Chicopee Rd

Kennebunk
3/19/2024: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saint Marthas Church, 34 Portland Rd.

Kittery
3/21/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Kittery Lions Club, 117 State Rd

North Berwick
3/25/2024: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Noble High School, 388 Somersworth Rd.

Saco
3/18/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Central Fire Station, 271 North Street

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Sanford
3/15/2024: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mason Preble 143, 16 Elm St
3/25/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., North Parish Church, 893 Main Street

How to donate blood

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. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

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, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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