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 ninth “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 27 in the Campus Center’s MPR. The event is being sponsored by the University’s Dean of Students Office, Phi Eta Sigma – National Honor Society, and the UMPI Red Cross Club.

Each year, the UMPI Dean of Students 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, over 5,100 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 27 Super Blood Drive, all presenting donors will get a chance to win 3 tickets to a Boston Red Sox home game, recognition at the game, and a special commemorative souvenir. There will also be great giveaways available during the event.

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 150 pints of life-saving blood.

If you are not interested in donating, but would like to help out, be a volunteer. Volunteers are needed between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to help escort donors to the canteen and work at the canteen. For more information about this event, call 768-9601.