In his letter to the editor, this Red Cross volunteer offers a stark reality about the need for blood donations during this time of year.

Editor:

A few hours into the blood drive, Nancy walked out of the Biddeford Eagles Facility in tears.

I hurried to meet her and asked what was wrong. Through her sobs, she said, “It happened again, my iron count was too low. I wanted so badly to give blood and help.”

Her disappointment was clear, and I gently reminded her that she was already helping simply by showing up. The truth is, I’ve seen this before, no matter how willing someone is, their iron or hemoglobin levels just aren’t high enough to donate that day.

But here’s what’s important: even when you can’t give blood, you can still give hope. A financial donation to the Red Cross helps ensure our lifesaving mission continues every single day.

As a volunteer in the Red Cross Biomedical Services, I see firsthand the difference your support makes. The Red Cross provides lifesaving blood to 38 Maine hospitals and medical centers, and we must collect 130 donations every day to meet patient needs.

The reality is this: The need for blood and platelets never stops. Cancer patients, accident victims, and surgical patients depend on it every day.

Blood can’t be manufactured; it must come from volunteer donors. Any pause in donations puts patients at risk. You can make a lifesaving difference right now.

Donate blood or platelets this month to help hospitals care for patients as we head into the holidays.

Make your appointment today. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or download the Blood Donor App to schedule your donation.

The holidays are also a time when emergencies increase such that home fire responses rise by

nearly percent nationwide, and many Mainers need help recovering. Because of caring donors and volunteers, the Red Cross is always there, providing shelter, financial support, first aid and comfort to families in crisis and to our military members facing challenges.

This holiday season, you can be the reason someone finds hope again. If you’re unable to give blood, please consider making a financial donation at redcross.org.

Together, we can ensure that no one faces their darkest moment alone, whether it’s after a disaster, in a hospital room or right here in our community. 

With gratitude,

Uchizi Phakati

Biddeford