BRUNSWICK
The American Red Cross says ongoing severe winter weather has more than doubled the number of canceled blood drives and the resulting blood and platelet donation shortfall since earlier this month. The Red Cross says it “considers the situation critical and is reissuing an urgent call for blood and platelet donors.”
“In Maine, 10 blood drives have been forced to cancel due to winter weather this month, causing 273 donations to go uncollected,” according to a statement issued by the Red Cross. “In addition, bitter cold and widespread flu have contributed to very low turnout at many blood drives.”
“Blood and platelet donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in,” said Mary Brant, external communications manager of the Northern New England Red Cross Blood Services Region, in the statement. “Donors are critically needed to restock the shelves for patients in their community as well as areas where donors are unable to give due to inclement weather.”
Every day the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations to meet the needs of patients.
Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1- 800-733-2767). Here is a list of upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Brunswick
Jan. 24: 2:30-7:30 p.m., Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive
Feb. 6: 1-6 p.m., Saint Pauls Church, 27 Pleasant St.
Feb. 13: Noon to 5 p.m., Bill Dodge Hyundai, 118 Pleasant St.
Feb. 14: 3-8 p.m., Bowdoin College, 8 Polar Loop, Morrell Lounge.
Feb. 15: 1-6 p.m., Lowes Brunswick, 250 Bath Road
Bath
Feb. 14: 1-6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 807 Middle St.
Topsham
Jan. 30: 1-6 p.m. ARC Mid Coast Chapter, 16 Community Way
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