LEWISTON — Central Maine Medical Center, the American Red Cross and LifeFlight of Maine are partnering to organize two blood drives under the name “One Lewiston” in honor of the victims of the Oct. 25 shooting. The blood drives will take place Oct. 14 and 18 at CMMC.

The mass casualty event highlights the critical need for maintaining adequate blood supplies, according to an Oct. 3 news release. “Simply put, blood donations save lives,” it states.

The organizations’ goal is to collect 1,025 units of blood during the two drives, representing the date of the shooting, 10/25, according to the news release. It is asking community members to use the hashtag #oneLewiston in social media posts relating to the event.

Central Maine providers used a total of 39 units of red blood cells, 20 units of plasma and three units of platelets to treat victims of the shooting in the roughly six hours after the first patient arrived at 7:10 p.m. that evening, according to Communications Program Manager Lisa Gardner.

The hospital relied on the American Red Cross and other partners to get blood flown into the hospital that night through LifeFlight, according to Gardner. It received 83 units of red blood cells, five units of plasma and seven units of platelets from those partners that night. Gardner said “100% of the blood used was lifesaving.”

On average, every two seconds someone in the Untied States needs blood or platelets, according to information on the Red Cross’ website.

Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured, which makes it important for individuals who need it, such as those with car accident injuries that can require as much as 100 units of blood or those who need a transfusion which can require three units of blood, according to the Red Cross website. The most requested blood type is type O and one donation can often save more than one life.

“So, blood donation literally means everything to the patient who needs it,” according to Jennifer Costa, Red Cross Northern New England regional communications director. “Donors are truly giving the gift of life to patients in need.”

Only about 3% of eligible individuals in the United States donates blood yearly, according to information on the American Hospital Association website. From 2019 to 2021, donations from adults under 25 declined by 32% nationally. However donations from adults 25-64 increased by 14% nationally during that time period, also increasing in people 65 or older by 41% during that time.

Donating blood can be satisfying, though Costa understands that some people are apprehensive about it because they do not like the needle, she said. Her advice, stay focused on the positive impact of the donation.

“Fear of needles certainly prevents some people from donating blood,” she said. “But if you’re willing to spend a few minutes facing your fears (donating really can be that fast) you may find that the satisfaction you feel makes it worth it. … After that quick pinch, your blood donation can help save more than one life – which is amazing.”

All blood types are need, she said. Blood donors do require identification, such as a blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of ID. For more information on donor eligibility visit the Red Cross’ website.

“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,” she said.

The blood drives will start at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. at CMMC, 12 Main St. in Lewiston, in conference rooms A, B and C. To donate blood visit the Red Cross’ website. To volunteer, sign up online. To donate to CMMC’s Compassionate Care Fund visit the hospital’s website.