Celebrating a new era of humanitarian service in Maine

By Jennifer Costa, Red Cross communications director

With a snip of a shiny, red ribbon, the American Red Cross entered a new era of service delivery in Maine. 

“Everyone, get ready to get loud,” encouraged Stephanie Couturier, regional CEO, Red Cross of Northern New England, to a crowd of about 60 invited guests at a ribbon cutting Monday morning outside the newly renovated Red Cross facility in Portland.

As Maine’s Senator Susan Collins sliced through the ribbon, Red Cross leaders, volunteers and community partners celebrated the completion of a once-in-a-generation project designed modernize operations and better meet the humanitarian needs of Mainers for years to come. 

“Established by Clara Barton 144 years ago, the American Red Cross stands on a foundation of relieving suffering and giving hope. The hard work and foresight that led to the wonderful project we celebrate today honors that legacy by helping to deliver the gift of life offered by blood donors,” said Senator Collins during her remarks.

This exciting $4.5 million dollar investment paved the way for critical Red Cross operational efficiencies and upgrades to Maine’s most productive blood donation center. The building, located at 524 Forest Avenue in Portland, was purchased by the Red Cross in 1981 – and had not seen a major renovation in 44 years. Yet this location serves as a critical artery ensuring a safe, resilient blood supply across the state.

In Maine, 38 hospitals and treatment centers count on the Red Cross to deliver lifesaving blood at a moment’s notice. On any given day, the Red Cross must collect at least 130 blood donations in Maine to keep pace with patient demand. The Portland Blood Donor Center collects 75% of all platelets donated in the state – and is the only Red Cross plasma donation location in Maine. 

 “One in seven patients entering the hospital will need a blood transfusion. That lifesaving blood can only come from generous, volunteer donors. This investment in the future of Red Cross will not only position us to better answer that call in Maine, but will foster a vibrant hub for our nearly 600 Maine volunteers who carry out our humanitarian mission every day – a mission that provides hope and comfort to Mainers during their darkest hours,” said Steve Thomas, Red Cross executive director, Southern Maine Chapter.

“Our presence can bring peace in chaos – and that is powerful,” said volunteer Uchizi Phakati, who has serves as a Red Cross blood donor ambassador and disaster action team member. During her remarks, she recounted a poignant home fire response in which she comforted a mother and baby who had just lost everything. 

“When the baby smiled, that smile was a reflection of safety, hope and trust. The baby didn’t know who we were, but she felt the calm in her mother’s arms. And that moment showed me the deep and immediate impact we can have. Having a Red Cross headquarters in Portland means everything to this community and to Southern Maine.”

This sweeping renovation project not only transformed Portland’s blood donor center and streamlined Red Cross community blood drive operations, but united all Red Cross lines of service – from community preparedness and disaster relief to Biomedical Services, Training Services, Service to the Armed Forces, International Services and Volunteer Services – under one roof. This facility now has greater capacity to hold disaster response materials and supplies, train its disaster response workforce and offer community health and safety certification courses – all of which strengthen community preparedness and resiliency in times of crises.

“People in Washington sometimes ask why Maine is so special. My answer is always community,” said Senator Angus King, who was also in attendance. “This new Red Cross facility is the embodiment of the idea of community, about caring for each other. Of course, the golden rule – which I think is fascinating because it passes through virtually all major religions in the world – is ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ This new facility is all about doing unto others, and of making a difference in people’s lives, in the most personal kind of way, the most direct kind of life-saving assistance. So, thank you to my colleagues in the delegation, and the team at the Red Cross in Maine, for continuing to put our community first with a facility that will save lives for years to come.” 

The Red Cross continues to fulfill its humanitarian mission thanks to the unwavering support of volunteers, donors, and community partners. This project was generously supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, with $871,000 in federal funding, made possible through bipartisan support in the Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations process. As we celebrate this milestone in strengthening Red Cross service delivery, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Senator Collins, Senator King, Maine’s federal delegation, the Davis Family Foundation, the Welch Charitable Fund of the Maine Community Foundation and all community supporters who made this investment possible.

“Over the past year, I’ve seen the spirit of community here in Maine over and over again, whether it’s a neighbor giving blood to help a stranger, a disaster volunteer showing up in the middle of the night to respond to a fire or donors making sure the Red Cross has the funds we need to serve those in need,” said Trevor Riggen, Red Cross President of Humanitarian Services. “You’ve invested in this community, but you’ve also invested in the idea that we can make Maine stronger and safer.” 

For more information on the Red Cross mission, volunteer opportunities or to how to donate blood, visit: www.redcross.org/NNE.