Blood Donations Needed In Augusta Area: Red Cross Drives Coming Up Soon

AUGUSTA, ME — Blood donations have been plummeting since the beginning of the pandemic, and hospitals are increasingly challenged by trauma emergency visits and drug overdoses. The Red Cross said the need for donations is acute.

All types of blood donations are needed, but there is an especially large demand for Type O, which has dipped to as low as a one-day supply for the country in recent weeks.

Hospitals are treating a high number of traumatic injuries this summer. Organ transplants have been on the rise largely due to increased drug overdoses this summer as well. Hospitals are also working through a backlog of elective surgeries that were delayed due to the pandemic.

People who donate blood between Sept. 3 and 7 will receive a 16-ounce Red Cross campfire mug, while supplies last. Donors who give blood in September will also receive a free haircut coupon from Sport Clips Haircuts.

Here are the Red Cross blood drives coming up in the Augusta area in the next few weeks. You can search for additional Red Cross blood drives from a wider area here.

• 8/23/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive, P.O. Box 2206 (Augusta)
• 9/3/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., MaineGeneral Health, 35 Medical Center Parkway (Augusta)
• 9/11/2021: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive (Augusta)

Editor's note: This list was automatically generated using data compiled by the American Red Cross. The local blood drives included in the list are limited to those at the time the Red Cross data was pulled. Please visit RedCrossBlood.org for the most current listing of drives. Please report any errors or other feedback to [email protected]. Know of another blood drive coming up in your area? You can add it to the Patch calendar using this form.

People who have received a coronavirus vaccine can donate blood so long as they are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer's name, according to the American Red Cross. There is no waiting period after getting a vaccine dose.

In most states, donors need to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health; some states allow 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent. Donors 18 years old and younger need to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. Appointments can be made via the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.