The American Red Cross is ending mobile blood drives in several Maine counties.

The change will affect parts of Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo and Washington counties.

The move will also impact 13 employees, though some will be offered the chance to move to a fixed site. 

The Red Cross attributes the change to rising operational costs and logistical challenges and said it “helps ensure we use our resources efficiently while continuing to serve patients.”

“Some affected individuals will be offered the opportunity to transfer to our Red Cross fixed site operation,” a statement from the American Red Cross Northern New England Region reads, in part. “We recognize such changes are difficult and are committed to helping make this transition as smooth as possible.

This comes after the organization announced a “critical” blood shortage just last month.

Executive Director of the Northern and Eastern Maine Chapter of Red Cross Northern New England Caroline King discusses the blood shortage in the organization’s Bangor office in January. (Spectrum News/David Ledford, file)

However, the change will not affect the readiness of the blood supply.

“It’s important to note that this adjustment will not affect the availability and timely distribution of blood and blood products to our hospital partners and patients in need,” the statement goes on to add.

The mobile service will officially end in July. 

However, the organization said blood drives will also continue in Belfast, Fairfield, Newport, Pittsfield and Skowhegan.

Otherwise, Mainers looking to donate blood will need to travel to a Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Bangor, Portland or Auburn.