American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage as Maine appointments go unfilled

American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage as Maine appointments go unfilled

61 percent of donation appointments in Maine are vacant over the next two weeks

Maine (WMTW) - The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after the national blood supply dropped nearly 25 percent during June.

The Red Cross says over the next two weeks in Maine, 61 percent of donation appointments are vacant. The organization says its supply is no longer enough to meet patient need.

It notes both blood and platelet donations are needed ASAP.

How to donate

Donors can make an appointment at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Anyone who donates by the end of the month will receive a Fandango movie ticket valued at up to $15.

Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital is hosting a blood drive Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Use the sponsor code NLSVH if you are signing up for that particular drive.

“It’s nothing to get worried about and after your first couple of times it becomes a routine and you’re helping save lives — you’re helping a ton of people by showing up and doing it,” said Jonathan Ramos of Central Maine Medical Center.

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