Red Cross to stop mobile blood drives in northern Maine

By Wendy Watkins, Bangor Daily News Staff

The American Red Cross will discontinue mobile blood drives across northern Maine effective in July, according to a statement from the organization.

The move will displace 13 employees who support the mobile drives. Some will be offered the opportunity to transfer to fixed-site operations, Regional Communications Director Jennifer Costa said.

Costa said the change was due to “logistical challenges and rising operational costs.”

The decision will not affect the availability of blood and blood products to hospitals or patients, she said.

The affected counties include Aroostook, Somerset, Piscataquis, Penobscot, Hancock, Washington and Waldo.

People can continue to donate blood and platelets in Bangor at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center, located at 900B Hammond St.

The Red Cross will continue disaster preparedness and response services in Bangor, along with services for military members and their families and health and safety training, Costa said.