Recent heat halts blood donations

BANGOR – American Red Cross Blood Services says it is experiencing shortages in blood donations.

It blames the hot weather that has swept the area in recent weeks, forcing shutdown of several blood drives.

“Some of the blood drives are not air-conditioned facilities, and when we hit 90 degrees, they were around 105 degrees inside,” staff member Heather Babcock said Friday. “It’s not healthy for us to draw people’s blood in those conditions.”

A blood-drive station in Pittsfield was closed last week when severe thunderstorms hit the area and electricity was lost.

While the demand for blood from local hospitals continues, blood donations in Maine are down by 483 pints, according to Babcock.

While 95 percent of the national population is eligible to donate blood, only 5 percent actually does, Babcock said.

“Mainers are very giving people, but I don’t think people think about donating until it hits someone they know,” Babcock said.

That’s why it’s important for people who meet the eligibility guidelines for giving blood to do so over the next month, she said.

A person must be at least 17 years old, weigh no less than 110 pounds, be in good health and have a valid form of identification to give blood.

The ARC Blood Services office on Hammond Street in Bangor will extend its hours throughout August, and encourages people to set up an appointment.

“Most people can handle a small pinch if they know it will save their friend or neighbor or family member,” Babcock said. “It’s so important that we pull together right now.”

For information about blood drives, or to set up an appointment, call ARC Blood Services at 941-2900 or (800) GIVE-LIFE.