Red Cross blood drives set for March

AREA — The American Red Cross, Northern New England Blood Services Region, will hold blood drives in cities and towns throughout Maine. All eligible and new blood donors are encouraged to give blood. Donors are needed every day to make sure there is an adequate blood supply for patients in need.

This winter has been a particularly challenging time for blood collections. Inclement weather coupled with school vacations and seasonal illness has put a severe strain on the blood supply throughout the Northeast. Blood donors are needed to recover lost units and make sure supplies are adequate for patients in need.

Monday, March 7 Casco Village Church in Casco 2-7 p.m.

Sunday, March 13 Shawnee Peak Ski Resort in Bridgton 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Tuesday, March 22 Buckfield High School in Buckfield 2-5 p.m.

Friday, March 25 Oxford Masonic Lodge 18 in Norway 1-6 p.m.

Thursday, March 31 Bridgton Academy 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The American Red Cross Donor Center, located at 524 Forest Avenue in Portland, is open for donations Monday through Thursday from 12 noon to 7 p.m.; Fridays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the first and third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.