(NECN) - NECN and the American Red Cross have teamed up to host a New England-wide blood drive.

NECN health and science reporter Ally Donnelly is at the Dedham, Massachusetts location.

NECN reporter Ally Donnelly has more speaks with Rich Serino of Boston EMS.

*As a reward, Dunkin' Donuts is giving away a pound of blood to each person that donates*

(NECN) - Connecticut is on board as NECN and the American Red Cross strive to push blood donations across New England past the goal of 2,008 units.

NECN's Brian Burnell has more on the efforts in Connecticut.

For a list of New England locations where you can donate today, click here www.necn.com/blood-drive or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

(NECN) - There is a 97% chance that someone you know will need a blood transfusion at some point in their life. For this reason, NECN is teaming up with the American Red Cross for Wednesday's "Celebrate the Gift of Life" blood drive. There is still time to donate.

The goal this year, is to collect 2,008 units of blood. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, 1,350 units were collected. NECN's Ally Donnelly has more from the main donation site in Dedham, Massachusetts.

For a list of New England locations where you can donate today, click here

(NECN) - The NECN/Red Cross Blood Drive is a one-day event, but it takes weeks of getting ready. Tuesday night, Ally Donnelly talked with Donna Morrissey of the Red Cross about the last-minute efforts to make a difference for the people taking the time and effort to give the gift of life.

(NECN) - Joe Bello is a Red Cross worker with an understanding of the need for more than just whole blood donations. Bello was diagnosed in 1996 with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He counted on donations of platelets from donors to give him strength as he underwent the debilitating effects of cancer treatment.

NECN's Ally Donnelly talked with Joe at the Dedham Blood Center.

(NECN) - Need a first-hand understanding of the need for blood? Talk to a first responder. Dedham, Massachusetts Police Chief Michael Weir has seen the critical injuries that require transfusions, and the life-saving role blood donors like you can play.

NECN's Ally Donnelly talked with Chief Weir at the Red Cross Blood Center in Dedham.

(NECN) - NECN's Amy Sinclair is at a blood drive in Maine's state capitol of Augusta.

For a list of New England locations where you can donate today, click here www.necn.com/blood-drive or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

(NECN) - NECN's Matt Noyes meets with John Shannon, a man who has donated blood more than 300 times.

(NECN) - Rural states have a tough time keeping up their blood supply since donors sometimes have to travel long distances to participate in blood drives.

NECN's Anya Huneke has more from Burlington, VT.

For a list of New England locations where you can donate today, click here www.necn.com/blood-drive or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

(NECN) - Paul D'Arcangelo, a Regional Vice President of Comcast, joins NECN's Matt Noyes at a blood donor center in Dedham, Massachusetts. Mr. D'Arcangelo cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the American Red Cross "Celebrate the Gift of Life" blood drive.