The University of Maine at Presque Isle will hold its annual fall blood drive on Thursday, October 23, from noon to 6 p.m. in the Campus Center’s Multi-Purpose Room.The blood drive is sponsored by the University’s Residence Life Office, the Brothers of Kappa Delta Phi and the Sisters of Kappa Delta Phi NAS. Walk-ins are welcome and door prizes will be given away during the drive.

If donors wish to reserve a time in advance, they should call 768-9585 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The American Red Cross needs to collect 1,400 pints of blood each working day to meet the needs of people in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Currently, the New England Red Cross is 1000 pints behind their expected blood collection for the year.

“We are encouraging everyone to at least consider the possibility of becoming a blood donor,” Jim Stepp, Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Residence Life, said. “It is relatively painless and doesn’t take much time.”

The University regularly holds two blood drives per year, and has records of blood drives dating back to 1987. Since that time, the University has collected more than 2,500 pints. Stepp said the University hopes to collect 150 pints of blood this year.