As a physician and pathologist, I witness every day the lifesaving impact of blood and blood products that come from our true community heroes. The Red Cross recently declared a national blood crisis — for only the second time in its history — after the nation’s blood supply dropped 25% in June, creating an emergency blood and platelet shortage. Maine has always been a state where neighbors help neighbors. The Red Cross estimates that if just three additional people donated at each blood drive this summer, the blood supply could stabilize and recover. Please visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make your appointment today.