The emergency need for lifesaving blood continues this summer. Binnie Media is supporting the American Red Cross through this challenging time with their 4th annual Out For Blood event with locations across Maine. Binnie is proud to put the strength of their flagship station’s 107.5 Frank FM and 99.9 The Wolf to work keeping the blood supply strong.

This year’s Out For Blood event is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 18, with hours from noon to 5 p.m. at all blood drive sites. Locations to choose from include:

• Clarion Hotel, 1230 Congress St., Portland
• L/A Harley Davidson, 839 Main St., Lewiston
• Colony Hotel, 140 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport
• Brunswick Elks Club, 179 Park Row, Brunswick

“The work done by the Red Cross helps save lives; the donors who make time to share their good health are inspiring,” said Binnie Media Maine”s Vice President of Programming, Heath Cole. “Binnie Media and our Maine stations 107.5 Frank FM and 99.9 The Wolf are so proud to support their lifesaving work again this year. I encourage everyone reading this to make time to give; the need is great, and the only source of blood is a healthy, volunteer donor.”

“Patients – and their families rallying behind them – count on the generosity of volunteer blood drive sponsors like Binnie Media and our loyal donors to ensure blood is always available.” said Stephanie Couturier, CEO, American Red Cross of Northern New England. “The Red Cross is grateful to Binnie Media Maine and their generous listeners who so readily answer the call to roll up a sleeve to help patients in need!”

The Red Cross has an emergency need for lifesaving blood amid the ongoing severe blood shortage. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give now and help ensure hospital shelves are stocked through the summer season. To thank donors who help ensure a strong blood supply this month, all who come to donate throughout August will receive a free 4-month special offer to Apple Music by email (new subscribers only). More details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/FeelTheBeat.

To make your appointment now visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS and use Sponsor Code: OutForBlood.

About blood donation

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Blood drive safety

Safety is our top priority. The Red Cross only collects blood from individuals who are healthy and feeling well at the time of donation. For the safety of all those who engage with our lifesaving mission, the American Red Cross has determined that all employees, volunteers and blood donors resume mask wearing indoors at all blood drives and blood donation centers no matter where they are located and regardless of individuals’ vaccine status.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.