Memorial Blood Centers: ‘Blood Emergency’ amid COVID pandemic

DULUTH, MN-- Memorial Blood Centers announced a blood emergency Monday, noting the most critical needs are type O, Rh negative and platelets.

This is not the first time MBC has declared a blood emergency.

The center’s spokespeople say this shortage occurs amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has had an impact on workers in the healthcare industry with trickle-down effects.

“We are coming into a traditionally challenging time of year for blood donations with spring break and pre-summer activities preempting a regular appointment schedule. Normally we would head into the season with a strong blood supply, but we approach it now with alarmingly low reserves,” said Kathy Geist, Senior Executive Director. “We do want people to set appointments for this week, and also schedule repeatedly throughout the summer and into the fall to replenish the reserves to help meet the needs of the community.”

A single donation can save up to three lives.

Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion.

Those in need include cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.

To make an appointment call 1-888-448-3253 or click here.