LifeFlight of Maine, American Red Cross join forces for blood drive

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - LifeFlight of Maine is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and there’s one big gift they’re hoping for: blood donations.

LifeFlight teamed up with the American Red Cross for a blood drive at Sea Dog in Bangor Monday afternoon.

Organizers say donations are critical this time of year. With more people out enjoying the nice weather, the need for blood increases but there are fewer donations coming in.

LifeFlight carries blood with them on every mission, and many times it’s the only thing keeping a patient alive.

“It absolutely is 100% life saving. I’ve had several patients that if we didn’t get blood to them, they would not have survived to transport to the hospital where they need to be to get emergency surgery. They absolutely would not have survived. We have several stories like that, and a lot of those patients will come to these drives and donate because they were saved from the blood transfusion. It’s pretty impressive,” said Denise Saucier, RN, LifeFlight of Maine.

The Red Cross says the recent devastating floods in Vermont have canceled some blood drives there.

In order to make up for it they’re asking potential donors in unaffected areas, especially those with type O bloods, to roll up their sleeves.

To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org.

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