Red Cross May blood drives scheduled throughout central, western Maine

PORTLAND — The American Red Cross is seeking blood and platelet donors during the month of May so it can be prepared to meet the needs of patients in emergency situations.
According to the National Trauma Institute, trauma accounts for approximately 41 million emergency department visits and 2 million hospital admissions each year.

Blood drives are planned for in Auburn, Lewiston, Poland, Turner, Brunswick, Casco, Gray, New Gloucester, Farmington, Strong, Augusta, Gardiner, Hallowell, Waterville, Winslow, Bethel, Buckfield, Fryeburg, Hiram, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham and Topsham.
In trauma situations, when there’s no time to check a patient’s blood type, emergency personnel reach for type O negative red blood cells and type AB plasma because they can be transfused to any patient, regardless of blood type.
Less than 7 percent of the population has type O negative blood, and only about 4 percent of the population has type AB blood. Platelets may also be needed to help with clotting in cases of massive bleeding. Because platelets must be transfused within five days of donation, there is a constant – often critical – need to keep up with hospital demand.
To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).