LEWISTON, Maine — 14 people were taken to Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston the night of the October 25th mass shootings. 11 of those treated survived.
Blood was a huge resource to help as many people as possible that night.
CMMC used 39 units of blood from its own supply to help shooting victims. An additional 83 units came in from other sources like the Red Cross and Life Flight of Maine. Some of that blood also came from Massachusetts.
In honor of the victims, CMMC along with the Red Cross and Life Flight of Maine is hosting the One Lewiston Blood Drive. It's open October 14th through the 18th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CMMC.
Kayla Jones is a critical care flight nurse with Life Flight of Maine. She gave blood at the drive on Monday. She was also on duty the night of the shootings.
"Knowing I've had a front-row seat to how blood products can make a difference between, you know, life or death," Jones told NEWS CENTER Maine. She said that night, Life Flight of Maine mobilized to help get the blood CMMC needed to save as many people as possible.
"We also loaded up extra blood products from Eastern Maine Medical Center, and a crew came down on our fixed wing with extra blood," Jones said.
Red blood cells only have a shelf life of 42 days, according to the Red Cross. That's one reason why donating is so important, Jennifer Costa, the regional communications director for Red Cross Northern New England Region, said.
"It is the one thing that we can do as regular people to truly say that we help save a life because, for every donation that someone makes, every blood donation, it saves more than one life," Costa said.
This is especially true when a large number of people need blood in a short amount of time. That was the thinking behind the One Lewiston Blood Drive.
"Our team members got together about two or three months ago and decided this was the best way to honor those who are survivors, some of the victims, and of course all of the first responders who helped out that night," Dr. John Alexander, chief medical officer at CMMC, said.
The goal is to collect 1,025 units of blood. That number reflects that day of the Lewiston mass shooting, 10/25.
If you aren't able to make it to the One Lewiston Blood Drive, you can still donate through the Red Cross Sleeves Up campaign. All you have to do is find the nearest place to donate and request your donation be added to the One Lewiston initiative.