PORTLAND, ME — In September, the American Red Cross stresses the continuing critical need for blood products to ensure patient care. Donors of all blood types are asked to give now to keep blood supply levels rising after a summer shortage. Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially needed.

A steady increase in lifesaving blood products is vital to ensuring hospitals stay ready for any situation this fall. As National Preparedness Month continues, the Red Cross highlights the importance of having a strong supply of blood products already on hand for disasters and emergencies of all kinds and to meet the needs of patients every day.

Now is the time to book an appointment and help patients counting on lifesaving transfusions. To schedule a time to give blood or platelets, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

All who come to give Sept. 16-30, 2024, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 19-30

Cumberland

Brunswick

9/25/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Elks Lodge, 179 Park Row

9/27/2024: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., American Legion Post 20, 1 Columbus Drive

Falmouth

9/24/2024: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Lunt Auditorium, 74 Lunt Road

9/30/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Episcopal Church of St. Mary, 43 Foreside Rd

Freeport

9/30/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn Freeport, 5 Park Street

Harrison

9/25/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., United Parish Congregational Church of Harrison and N. Bridgton, 77 Main Street

North Yarmouth

9/27/2024: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Wescustogo Hall and Community Center, 120 Memorial Hwy

Portland

9/20/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Alexander Hall, 716 Stevens Ave

9/30/2024: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Maine Medical Dana Center, 22 Bramhall Street

Scarborough

9/19/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saint Maximilian Church, 150 Black Point Rd

South Portland

9/26/2024: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks, 200 Sable Oaks Drive

Standish

9/19/2024: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Standish Town Hall, 175 Northeast Road

Yarmouth

9/20/2024: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., American Legion Post 91, 196 Main St