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PORTLAND — The American Red Cross is facing historically low blood supply levels going into the holiday season.
Busy holiday schedules, breaks from school and winter weather all contribute to a drop in blood and platelet donations this time of year. Those factors, combined with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, make it vital for donors to make an appointment to give as soon as possible, the Red Cross said.
If more donors don’t come forward to give blood, some patients requiring a transfusion may potentially face delays in care.
Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving.
Upcoming area blood drives in the Turner Publishing area are:
AUBURN – Noon-5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 28, East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Ave.
BATH – 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, YMCA, 303 Centre St.
BRIDGTON – Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, Masonic Hall, 166 Harrison Road, Route 117.
BRUNSWICK — 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday,. Dec. 18, Midcoast-Parkview Health, 329 Maine St.; 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, Morong Brunswick, 314 Bath Road; 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 22, United Masonic Lodge 8, 65 Baribeau Dr.
CASCO – 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday, Dec. 27, Casco Village Church, 941 Meadow Road.
FARMINGTON – 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday Dec. 30, Trinity United Methodist Church, 612 Farmington Falls Road.
LEWISTON – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, 415 Lisbon St.
NORWAY – Noon-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, Stephens Memorial Hospital, Ripley Medical Building, 193 Main St.
OXFORD – 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, American Legion Post 112, 169 King St.
TOPSHAM – Noon-5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, ARC Mid Coast Chapter, 16 Community Way; 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, American Legion Post 202, 79 Foreside Road; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, ARC Mid Coast Chapter, 16 Community Way.
WINDHAM – Noon-5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 22, North Windham Veterans Center, 35 Veterans Memorial Drive.
