October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Red Cross is encouraging you to give blood to support cancer patients and others needing blood products.

American Red Cross of Maine/Facebook
American Red Cross of Maine/Facebook
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According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., with one in eight developing invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.

Breast cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, mastectomy surgery or treatment of complications. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those needing transfusions.

To make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also download the Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores or text BLOODAPP to 90999 to receive a download link.

Aroostook County Blood Drives in October:

Caribou: Monday, Oct. 19th from 12 - 6 p.m., Caribou Inn and Convention Center

Madawaska: Tuesday Oct. 20th from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Madawaska High School, 135 7th Avenue

Presque Isle: Wednesday, Oct. 21st from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Northern Maine Community College, 33 Edgemont Drive

Fort Kent: Thursday, Oct. 22nd from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Valley Motors Fort Kent, 82 West Main Street.

Hodgdon: Tuesday, Oct. 27th from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Hodgdon High School, 174 Hodgdon Mills Road

Additional information: All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

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