Red Cross Blood Drive - Thursday, February 13th 11AM-4PM

This message is for all faculty, staff, and students of the USM community!

Last month, about 770 American Red Cross blood drives were canceled, resulting in more than 25,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. February is an important time for the Red Cross to restock the shelves so patient needs can continue to be met.

· After severe winter weather caused hundreds of blood drive cancellations last month, the Red Cross needs donors of all types to help restock the shelves, especially those with type O negative, O positive, A negative or B negative blood.

· Seasonal illnesses like the flu can affect blood drive this time of year. Healthy donors are needed to ensure blood and platelets are available for patients in need. More information, including flu prevention tips, can be found online at redcrossblood.org/flu

· Donated blood can be used to treat cancer patients, trauma victims, organ transplant recipients, premature babies with complications, sickle cell disease patients and others.

Next Thursday, February 13th from 11:00AM to 4:00PM, a blood drive will be hosted by USM's Sociology Student Association (SSA) in the Wishcamper Center on the USM Portland Campus. If you would like to donate, please call 1-800-RED CROSS, send an email to SSA President Bryn Gallagher at bryn.gallagher@maine.edu , or log on redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.