The University of Maine at Presque Isle will hold its annual American Red Cross fall blood drive on Friday, Oct. 21. The drive will run from Noon until 5 p.m. in the Campus Center’s Multi-Purpose Room. 

The blood drive is sponsored by the University’s Dean of Students Office, the Residence Life Office, Phi Eta Sigma–National Honor Society, and the UMPI Red Cross Club. These organizations help the American Red Cross put on three blood drives each year, in the spring, summer, and fall.

Since 1987, more than 5,200 pints of blood have been collected at UMPI through these blood drives. 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.

Walk-ins are welcome; if donors would like to reserve a time in advance, they should call 1-800-GIVE LIFE [1-800-448-3543] or make an appointment at the Northern New England Red Cross website.

American Red Cross
American Red Cross
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The goal for this drive is to collect 100 pints of blood.  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. Currently, there is an urgent need for O-, B-, A- and AB blood types.

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.

Volunteers are also needed between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to help escort donors to the canteen and work at the canteen. For more information about this event, call 768-9601 or email james.stepp@maine.edu.

 

 

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