The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s National Society of Leadership and Success will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, Sept. 19 from Noon to 5 p.m. in the Gentile Hall gym. Members of the campus and community are invited and encouraged to participate in this free event; walk-ins are welcome.
Traditionally, UMPI helps to put on three blood drives during the year for the American Red Cross—in the spring, summer, and fall. In fact, since 1987, more than 5,000 pints of blood have been collected at UMPI through these drives.
The school hopes to keep this tradition going on Sept. 17. Everyone is encouraged to help save lives at one of the largest American Red Cross blood drives in Aroostook County. The goal for this blood drive is to collect over 100 pints of blood.
Donations are highly encouraged at this time as the need is great. The American Red Cross needs to collect 1,400 pints of blood each working day in order to supply the people of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont; approximately 36,000 units are needed every day to meet the demands of hospital patients across the country.
In the U.S., someone needs blood approximately every two seconds. In comparison, the blood donation itself only takes 10 to 15 minutes—a very short visit when weighed against the lives that are saved. The American Red Cross is able to maximize each donation it receives; for each person that donates, a possibility of three people in the United States are helped.
To prepare for a donation, the Red Cross recommends that individuals stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothes, and eat a healthy meal prior to donating, as well as bring an ID, such as a driver’s license or two other forms of identification.
Reservations for the Sept. 17 Blood Drive can be made at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE [1-800-448-3543] or log onto www.newenglandblood.org and type 04769 in the zip code field to make an appointment. Individuals also can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App on the App Store, Google Play, or text BLOODAPP to 90999. The app allows users to schedule appointments, get rewards, and invite friends to join them on a lifesaving team.
For more information about this Blood Drive, please contact Violet Washburn at 768-9582 or email violet.washburn@maine.edu.