Red Cross asks for donations as Maine’s summer approaches

PORTLAND — The American Red Cross is counting on volunteer donors to give blood and help ensure patient needs can be met this summer.
Around Memorial Day, the Red Cross sees a steep decline in blood donations. Busy summer schedules, vacations and school breaks also cause a drop in donations.

Accidents and medical emergencies don’t take a summer break — patients need blood every minute, every day. Between May 21 and June 15, there are blood donation opportunites schedueled for multiple locations throughout southern and central Maine.
Cities and towns include Lewisston, Lisbon Falls, Sabattus, Bridgton, Brunswick, Gray, Harpswell, Harrison, New Gloucester, Raymond, Strong, Augusta, Farmingdale, Waterville, Winslow, Winthrop, Bath, Bowdoin and Topsham.
To learn more or schedule an appointment helping ensure hospitals and patients have the blood they need this summer, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).