Patriotic Pride on Munjoy Hill at the Home of Peter Macomber.

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 2,637)

The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelets.  It is urging all eligible donors to give now to replenish an extremely low summer blood supply.  Blood donations have fallen short of hospital needs for the past few months, resulting in about 39,000 fewer donations than what’s needed, as well as a significant draw down of the overall Red Cross blood.supply.  In addition, the Independence Day holiday may have caused many regular donors to postpone donations due to vacation plans.

“Right now blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which is why we are making this emergency request for donations,” said Mary Brant, of the American Red Cross.  “Donations are urgently needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks.  If you’ve thought about giving blood and helping to save lives now is the time to do it,” Brant continued in a press release.

Donations locations and dates are as follows:

Wednesday, July 6th – Noon – 6:00 pm. Alexander Hall, 716 Stevens Avenue,

Tuesday, July 12th – 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Casco Bay Lines, Commercial Street, and

Wednesday, July 13, – 9:00 – 2:00 pm Verrill Dana, (law firm), 1 Portland Square.

All blood types are needed at this time.