PORTLAND – The American Red Cross reports an unexpected decline in blood donations in Maine.

Ellen Russell, manager of donor recruitment, says blood donations should be picking up after a challenging summer. But that’s not happening.

She says volunteer donors are needed urgently to avoid a possible shortage.

The Red Cross must collect 300 units of blood each day in order to meet the needs of patients across Maine. The number is based on past blood use by Maine hospitals as well as projected patient need.