PORTLAND, ME — During National Volunteer Month in April, the American Red Cross asks donors to help keep the blood supply stable by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now. Type O blood and platelets are especially needed to ensure hospitals are fully stocked with lifesaving blood products this spring.

The Red Cross depends on thousands of volunteer donors to collect more than 12,000 blood donations and about 3,000 platelet donations every single day. Blood drives and donation centers also depend on the generosity and valuable time of those who make it possible for the Red Cross to help people in need.

As spring travel and activities fill calendars, volunteer blood donations remain essential to critical medical care. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

All who come to give April 14-30, 2025, will get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 prize. There will be three winners. See RedCrossBlood.org/Hope.

In May, all who come to give May 1-18, 2025, will get a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Plus, throughout May, those who come to give will be automatically entered to win a U.S. trip of choice for two. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/May.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities April 17-May 5

Brunswick

4/30/2025: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., American Legion Post 20, 1 Columbus Drive

5/2/2025: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Brunswick High School, 116 Maquoit Road

Freeport

4/28/2025: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn Freeport – Old Town Hall Building, 5 Park Street

Gorham

5/1/2025: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., St. Annes Church, 299 Main Street

North Yarmouth

4/25/2025: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Wescustogo Hall and Community Center, 120 Memorial Hwy

Portland

4/30/2025: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Portland Elks Lodge, 1945 Congress St.

5/5/2025: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Maine Medical Center – Dana Education Center, 22 Bramhall Street

South Portland

4/29/2025: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., South Portland Community Center, 21 Nelson Road

4/30/2025: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Southern Maine Community College Campus Center, 2 Fort Road

Windham

4/26/2025: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Windham High School, 406 Gray Rd

Yarmouth

5/2/2025: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., American Legion Post 91, 196 Main St