Blood drives set for central, western Maine throughout April

PORTLAND — A number of blood drives are scheduled for central and western Maine as the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April.
“Donating blood is a simple way for those who are short on time to make a life-changing difference,” the Red Cross said in a news release.

Kay Whaley knows the impact of blood donations. When she was 9, she was in an accident and received many transfusions. That experience inspired her to become a blood donor. “It takes about an hour of your time and could save the life of a friend, neighbor or even family member,” she said in the release. “It doesn’t cost you anything and is the greatest gift you could give.”
Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed to help meet patient needs this spring, the Red Cross said.
Donors can make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All those who come to donate from April 9 to May 13, will be entered to win one of three $1,000 gift cards to a national home improvement retailer, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply. More details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Lets-Do-More.)
Visit Visit www.redcrossblood.org for more information about giving blood and blood drives statewide.
Area blood drives, by county, include:

ANDROSCOGGIN
Auburn
April 21: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saint Philips Parish – Auburn, 2365 Turner Rd
April 23: 1 to 6 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn Auburn, 14 Great Falls Plaza
Lewiston
Throughout the month at Central Maine Medical Center Blood Donation Center, 60 High St. Visit www.redcrossblood.org for more information.
April 19, 1 to 6 p.m., University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College, 51-55 Westminster St
April 24, 2 to 7 p.m., Farwell Elementary School, 84 Farwell St

CUMBERLAND
Brunswick
April 16 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Southern Maine Comm College Brunswick, 12 Sewall St. Buidling 512, Orion Hall.
April 18, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Charles, 132 McKeen St.
April 25, 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive,

FRANKLIN
Farmington
April 27, noon to 6 p.m., Franklin Memorial Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive.

KENNEBEC
Augusta
April 24, 7 a.m. to noon, Togus VA Hospital, 1 VA Center.
April 30, 1 to 7 p.m., Penney Memorial Church, 393 Water St.
Gardiner
April 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 109 Spring St.
Kents Hill (Readfield)
April 17, noon to 5 p.m., Alfond Athletic Center, 1668 Main St.
Manchester
April 20, noon to 5 p.m., Manchester Elementary School, 17 School St.
South China
April 26, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Erskine Academy, 309 Windsor Road.

OXFORD
Rumford
April 18, noon to 5 p.m., Eagles Rumford, 13 Oxford Ave.

SOMERSET
Fairfiled
April 28 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lawrence High School, 9 School St.
Pittsfield
April 23, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Maine Central Institute, 295 Main St.
Skowhegan
April 20, 1 to 6 p.m., Steelworkers Union Hall, 653 Waterville Road.