The American Red Cross and the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Residence Life Office are teaming up to pull off the University’s seventh “Super” Blood Drive this summer, the time of year when the need for blood increases.

The Super Blood Drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 30 in the Gentile Hall Gymnasium. The event is being sponsored by the University and cosponsored by Pat’s Pizza, Big Cheese Pizza, Wal-Mart, and Country Farm’s Market.

Each year, the UMPI Residence Life Office helps the Red Cross coordinate three blood drives on campus, one in the summer, one in the fall and one in the spring. Since 1987, 4,757 pints of blood have been collected at UMPI. According to the American Red Cross, the need for blood increases during the summer months. The reasons are two-fold: People are more active during the summer and thus are more likely to receive injuries that require blood, and the amount of donations decreases during the summer due to people being busy.

At the June 30 Super Blood Drive, all presenting donors can:

• Receive a new American Red Cross T-shirt,
• Receive a coupon for a FREE day pass to any Maine State Park, and
• Enter a drawing to win a complete family camping package from Eureka and a free week of camping.

Everyone is encouraged to help save lives at one of the largest American Red Cross blood drives in Aroostook County. Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE [1-800-448-3543] or log onto www.newenglandblood.org and type 04769 in the zip code field to make your appointment today. The goal of the Super Blood Drive is to collect at least 300 pints of life-saving blood.

If you are not interested in donating, but would like to help out, be a volunteer. Volunteers are needed for the following tasks: 9-11:30 a.m. – Set up tables and chairs prior to the blood drive; 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Escorting donors to the canteen and working the canteen; 5:30-8 p.m. – Taking down tables and chairs.

For more information about this event, call 768-9601.