American Red Cross In Maine Facing Drastic Blood Shortage Following Cancellations Due To Fierce Winter Weather

It's not a situation anyone wants to find themselves in: needing a life-saving blood transfusion due to an accident, emergency, or illness. And that situation becomes even more dire when the necessary blood supply is not there.

That's the point we're getting to in Maine, according to officials with the American Red Cross, and it's all due to the extreme weather conditions we've experienced in New England this winter.

"Over 500 blood drives have been canceled since the beginning of the year, causing more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. In the Northern New England Region, 16 blood drives have been affected, with 414 blood product donations going uncollected. In addition to the disruption of blood drives, dangerous weather conditions have also made it tougher to transport vital blood products, which could potentially affect deliveries to hospitals in some locations."

Officials say that patient care is at risk as healthcare providers are forced to make decisions as to where the blood is most needed, and could be forced to cancel elective procedures until the shortage ends.

The American Red Cross is urging anyone able to donate blood to do so, in an effort to offset the shortage. They're looking for blood from any and all blood types to donate specifically platelets, and to donate as soon as they possibly can.

As an incentive to get folks to donate, the Red Cross says anyone who gives blood from now through February 28th will get a $20 gift card.

Several blood drives have been scheduled across the state in each county over the coming weeks to make it easier for folks to donate blood.

In Penobscot County, the American Red Cross Donor Center on Hammon Street will hold on Friday, February 6th, and Monday, February 16th, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM, right at 900 B Hammond Street in Bangor. There will also be a blood drive at Husson University from 11 AM to 4 PM,

The Collins Center for the Arts will hold a 2-day blood drive in Orono from 11 AM to 5 PM on February 10th and 11th.

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There will be another blood drive at the VFW in Hampden on February 21st.

And there's a blood drive scheduled at the Veazie Community School for February 27th from noon to 4:30 PM.

You can also book an appointment to give blood or platelets ahead of time by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.