The American Red Cross says it has a critical shortage of type O blood and urges eligible donors to give now to help patients facing trauma and other life-threatening situations. As a thank-you for helping replenish the blood supply, all donors who come to give blood or platelets now through June 10 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email. 

Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to urged to make an appointment to donate using the Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Eligible donors with type O blood are encouraged to make a whole blood or Power Red donation, where available. During a Power Red donation, donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation. 

Upcoming local blood donation opportunities 

May 23, 1-6 p.m., Thornton Oaks Retirement Community, 25 Thornton Way, Brunswick 

May 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., FHC Inc., 1201 Main St., Bowdoin 

May 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Freeport High School, 30 Holbrook St. 

May 28, 1-6 p.m., American Legion, 200 Congress Ave., Bath. 

June 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.,  Smitty’s Cinema, 65 Topsham Fair Road, Topsham 

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