UMPI and Red Cross teaming up
to host Super Blood Drive June 29
PRESQUE ISLE — The American Red Cross and the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Residence Life Office are teaming up to pull off the University’s third “Super Blood Drive” this summer, the time of year when the need for blood increases. Right now, type O negative blood is especially needed in the New England region.
The Super Blood Drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29 in Wieden Gymnasium. Sponsors of this year’s event are the University, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, Mojo’s, and Trinity Blue Mason’s Lodge No. 130. The Drive will feature prizes, food and snacks for all donors.
Each year, the UMPI Residence Life Office helps the Red Cross coordinate three blood drives on campus, one in the summer, one in the fall and one in the spring. Since 1987, 3,150 pints of blood have been collected at UMPI. According to the American Red Cross, the need for blood increases during the summer months. The reasons are two-fold: People are more active during the summer and thus are more likely to receive injuries that require blood, and the amount of donations decreases during the summer due to people being busy.
At the June 29 Super Blood Drive, all presenting donors can enter to win Red Sox tickets. The “Blood Donor of the Game” winner will receive two tickets to a Red Sox game, recognition on the field, and a commemorative souvenir. All presenting donors also can enter to win a bike valued at more than $400 from Mojo’s. All participants will also receive discount coupons to Mojo’s and a Boston Red Sox T-shirt.
Call 1-800-448-3543 or log onto www.newenglandblood.org to make a life-saving appointment for the June 29 drive. If you are not interested in donating, but would like to help out, be a volunteer. Volunteers are needed for the following tasks: 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., escorting donors to the canteen and working the canteen; and 5:30-8 p.m., taking down tables and chairs.
For more information about this event, call 768-9585.
