Senator Collins Speaks at Ribbon Cutting of Renovated American Red Cross Facility in Portland

Senator Collins secured more than $870,000 in federal funding to support the renovation effort.

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Portland, ME - Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks and toured the American Red Cross of Northern New England's newly renovated Blood Donor Center. Federal, state, and local officials were in attendance along with hundreds of Red Cross volunteers and employees to celebrate the completion of a $4.5 million renovation that will enhance training capabilities, increase the facility's capacity for disaster response supplies, and strengthen Red Cross operations throughout the State of Maine. In Fiscal Year 2022, Senator Collins secured $871,000 in federal funding to support critical repairs and upgrades to the facility.

"The new building and equipment we celebrate today are important. But they mean nothing without the dedication and compassion of nearly 300,000 American Red Cross volunteers who step forward in times of crisis and the 6.8 million heroes who donate blood each year," said Senator Collins during her remarks. "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."

The project is the first major renovation the facility has seen in 44 years. The upgrades to the biomedical facility will streamline the blood collection and distribution effort that serves 24 hospitals and treatment centers in Maine. In the past fiscal year, the Red Cross collected more than 45,500 blood products in Maine and held more than 2,200 blood drives.

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