Red Cross seeks blood donors during crucial holiday slowdown

PORTLAND – The American Red Cross is asking for donors to set aside some time to give blood to ensure hospital shelves are stocked through the holidays and year’s end.
As a thank-you, all who give through Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card. Those who give Dec. 16-Jan. 2 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Throughout the season, several factors can disrupt the ability of the Red Cross to collect enough blood for patients.
• Travel: According to a recent study, nearly half of Americans plan to travel over the holidays this year, which may have a negative impact on the the blood supply if fewer people donate.
• Seasonal illness: The U.S. is seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV, which can decrease the availability of healthy donors.
• Weather: Parts of the country have already had several feet of snow this year. Winter weather often leads to hazardous road conditions, canceling blood drives and making it dangerous for donors to venture out to give.
It’s important for donors − especially type O blood and platelet donors − to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need through the end of the year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Area blood drives from Dec. 7 to 31 include:
AUBURN:
10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, Auburn Mall, 550 Center St.
AUGUSTA
12:30-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive
12:30-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive
BATH
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, Morse High School, 826 Shipbuilders Drive
BETHEL
Noon-4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, West Parish Congregational Church, 32 Church St.
BRIDGTON
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, Masonic Hall, 166 Harrison Road, Route 117
BRUNSWICK
10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, Morong Brunswick, 314 Bath Road
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, United Masonic Lodge 8, 65 Baribeau Drive
10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, Morong Brunswick, 314 Bath Road
CASCO
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, Casco Village Church, 941 Meadow Road
FARMINGTON
11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, Trinity United Methodist Church, 612 Farmington Falls Road
GARDINER
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, Knights of Columbus, 109 Spring St.
GORHAM
1-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, Cressey Road United Methodist Church, 81 Cressey Road
NEW GLOUCESTER
9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, The Commons, 59 Pineland Drive
NORWAY
Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, Stephens Memorial Hospital, Ripley Medical Building, 193 Main St.
RUMFORD
10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, American Legion, 184 Congress St.
SABATTUS
10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, Town Hall, 190 Middle Road
WINDHAM
11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, North Windham Union Church, 723 Roosevelt Trail, U.S. Route 302
Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, North Windham Veterans Center, 35 Veterans Memorial Drive
WINSLOW
1-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, Winslow VFW, 175 Veterans Drive