MAINE, USA — Update:
THANK YOU for donating to the 2024 NEWS CENTER Maine Blood Drive. After all the donations concluded, NEWS CENTER Maine and the Red Cross collected 215 units of blood, surpassing our goal this year.
That's enough to help as many as 645 lives.
Thank you to everyone who donated to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
If you missed the event, you can sign up to donate blood at redcrossblood.org and help a fellow Mainer in need.
Original story:
March is Red Cross Month.
During this month, the Red Cross honors the commitment of volunteers and blood and platelet donors to support individuals and families in need. Early 2022 marked the lowest year for blood supplies in the U.S., with the Red Cross reporting a blood crisis and a 10 percent decline in donations, resulting in an all-time low supply.
In 2023, the Red Cross collected 41,159 units of blood and held more than 1,800 blood drives across Maine.
In order to meet the needs of patients in Maine and deliver lifesaving supplies of blood to 24 hospitals statewide, the Red Cross must collect an average of 152 pints of blood per day.
The need for blood is constant. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
With the simple act of donating blood or platelets, eligible donors can help save up to three lives with one donation. All blood types are needed, especially types O positive and O negative.
Register today at recrossblood.org and use code: NEWSCENTERMaine to set up your appointment on the day of the blood drive and be first in line to donate.
"Blood is a perishable product. It can't be easily manufactured. We're just not there yet. We really do need volunteer donors to continue to roll up their sleeves and give," Steve Thomas, executive director of the Southern Maine Chapter of the American Red Cross of Northern New England, said.
That is why NEWS CENTER Maine is once again joining with the Red Cross to help our fellow Mainers in need.
You can help by donating blood March 27. See below for the day-of locations and times.
Here's how to register:
1) Go to RedCrossBlood.org.
2) Click on DONATE BLOOD then FIND A BLOOD DRIVE.
3) Enter our sponsor code: NEWSCENTERMaine.
4) Choose your donation site and time.
5) Donate and know that you are helping to save lives.
Thank you for your time and generous donations.
BIOMED FAQs
Q. Who is eligible to donate blood?
- Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for further eligibility information.
Q. What is the blood donation process?
- An eligible donor will register; go through a health history review where they will have their blood pressure, temperature and iron checked, and then, if eligible, they will donate blood and enjoy refreshments.
Q. How long does it take to donate blood?
- The entire process takes about one hour and 15 minutes; the actual donation of a pint of whole blood takes eight to 10 minutes. A platelet donation takes approximately two to three hours. An automated Power Red donation takes about one hour and 25 minutes. Time varies slightly with each person depending on several factors, including the donor’s health history and attendance at the blood drive.
Q. How often can someone donate blood?
- A healthy donor may donate whole blood every 56 days or make a Power Red donation every 112 days. Platelets may be donated as few as seven days apart, but a maximum of 24 times a year.
