The University of Maine at Presque Isle will host its annual spring semester American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, Feb. 2. This blood drive is sponsored by the UMPI Residence Life Office, the Brothers of Kappa Delta Phi and the Sisters of Kappa Delta Phi NAS.

The blood drive is scheduled from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Campus Center’s Multi-Purpose Room. If donors wish to reserve a time to make their donation, they should call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or 768-9585 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can sign up at the new online appointment scheduler at www.redcrossblood.org.

“A hero is a person who is willing to give up something to save a life,” Jim Stepp, Director of Residence Life, said. “There are many examples of heroic behavior, some of which can prove to be quite difficult; other heroic acts can be as simple as rolling up your sleeves.”

Stepp said 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.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with the blood drive. Anyone interested in volunteering or in need of more information should call 768-9585 or email james.stepp@maine.edu.