PORTLAND, ME — As World Blood Donor Day was on June 14, the American Red Cross stresses that blood and platelet donors are critically needed right now to combat a drastic shortfall in donations over the last several weeks. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with type O blood and donors giving platelets.

Record-breaking summer travel and severe weather conditions are expected to persist all season long, which may prevent donors from being able to give. When fewer people donate, less blood is available for hospital patients. Make a blood or platelet donation a priority this summer. Book a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. 

Those who come to give June 10-30, 2024, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/DoGood for details

Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 10-30

Cumberland

Bridgton

6/27/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Masonic Hall, 166 Harrison Road, Route 117

Brunswick

6/26/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Elks Lodge, 179 Park Row

6/29/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., United Masonic Lodge #8, 65 Baribeau Dr

Portland

6/26/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Portland Elks Lodge, 1945 Congress St.

South Portland

6/25/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks, 200 Sable Oaks Drive

6/25/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Eastpoint Christian Church, 345 Clarks Pond Pkwy

Westbrook

6/28/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge Street

Yarmouth

6/28/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., American Legion Post 91, 196 Main St

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. 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 have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.