Red Cross seeking help during National Volunteer Month

PORTLAND — The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during April — National Volunteer Month. Donating blood is a simple way to make a profound difference in the lives of patients. Nearly 2.8 million generous people donated blood through the Red Cross last year. The Red Cross salutes these volunteer blood donors helping fulfill its lifesaving mission and invites others to roll up a sleeve and join them.

Bill Parr has been donating blood for more than 30 years. “I think it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do, knowing that such a simple act can have such a positive impact on another human being in a time of need,” he said. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed this spring.

To make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

UPCOMING BLOOD DONATION OPPORTUNITIES:
Wales —
April 7: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oak Hill High School, 56 School St.
Brunswick —
April 15: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Shaws Supermarket, 147 Bath Road.
Falmouth —
April 14: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Episcopal Church of St. Mary, 43 Foreside Road
Naples —
4/4/2017: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lake Region High School, 1877 Roosevelt Trail.
Augusta —
April 13: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ballard Center, Ballard Center, 6 East Chestnut St.
April 7: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., MaineGeneral Medical Center, 35 Medical Center Parkway
Farmingdale —
April 6: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hall Dale Middle School, 97 Maple St.
Kents Hill —
4/9/2017: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Alfond Athletic Center, 1668 Main St.
Randolph —
April 11: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Randolph Methodist Church, 16 Ashbury St.
Waterville —
April 12: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Colby College, 4280 Mayflower Hill Drive
Winslow —
April 13: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Winslow VFW, 175 Veterans Drive
Rumford —
April 5: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Eagles Rumford, 13 Oxford Ave.
Bowdoinham —
April 8: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mason Village 26, 13 Main St.
Topsham —
April 12: 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Mount Ararat Middle School, 66 Republic Avenue

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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.