BANGOR – The American Red Cross Blood Services, New England Region, recently unveiled a blood donor coach dedicated to the Bangor region at the Town & Country Realty Office.

Harold Crabill, director of Maine operations, said, “This donor coach will increase our outreach to the Bangor area community and help us to collect lifesaving blood for patients in need.”

The donor coach is available for blood drives at Bangor area businesses, public locations and special events. Because donors give blood in the self-contained unit, it is perfect for groups too small to host traditional blood drives, and for businesses with limited space.

Mayor Dan Tremble, Assistant City Manager Bob Farrar and president of Town & Country Reality Earl Black attended the media event in support of the efforts of the American Red Cross and the new donor coach.

Anyone 17 years of age or older, weighing 110 pounds or more and feeling in good health may be eligible to donate blood. Blood donors are required to provide personal identification. For information on donating blood, or to make an appointment to give blood, call (800) GIVE-LIFE or visit www.newenglandblood.org.

American Red Cross has been collecting blood for more than 30 years in Maine, and consistently meets the needs of all hospitals in Maine.

Blood donated through the American Red Cross also may be sent to patients being treated at medical centers throughout the New England region and, in times of disaster, may be made available to anyone in the United States. Blood donated through the American Red Cross is “blood without borders,” Crabill said.

To schedule the Red Cross blood donor coach for a Bangor area blood drive at a business, school or public event, or to learn more, call Angela Bilodeau at 941-2900.