The University of Maine at Presque Isle will host its annual spring semester American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, Feb. 1. 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-RED-CROSS 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. There is currently an urgent need for type O- and B- blood. If you have either of these types of blood, please consider donating.

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.

The University regularly holds three blood drives each year. Last year, the University collected a record 440 pints of blood at these drives. This year, officials hope to cross the 500-pint mark. All campus and community members are invited to take part in this life-giving event.