PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The American Red Cross and the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Residence Life Office are teaming up to pull off the university’s eighth “super” blood drive this summer, the time of year when the need for blood increases.
The super blood drive will be held from 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 29, in the Campus Center’s multipurpose room. The event is sponsored by the Red Cross along with UMPI’s Dean of Students Office and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society.
Each year, the Residence Life Office helps coordinate three blood drives on campus in summer, fall and spring. Since 1987, over 4,900 pints of blood have been collected at UMPI. According to the Red Cross, the need for blood increases in summer because people are more active, and thus more likely to receive injuries that require blood, and the amount of donations decreases during the summer due to people being busy.
At the June 29 drive, all presenting donors can receive a ticket to the Northern Maine Fair and get a chance to win three tickets to a Boston Red Sox home game, recognition at the game, and a commemorative souvenir.
Everyone is encouraged to join one of the largest blood drives in the County. Call 1 (800) GIVE LIFE or log onto newenglandblood.org and type 04769 in the ZIP code field to make an appointment. Organizers hope to collect at least 150 pints of life-saving blood.
Volunteers are also needed to help escort donors and work in the canteen. For more information call 768-9601.
