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Amid the ongoing challenges of recruiting blood donors during the COVID- 19 pandemic, local nonprofit Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) is facing a shortage of blood and platelet donations.
The need for blood is constant, but due to the pandemic, many drives have been canceled or postponed. To replenish supplies for Twin Cities’ hospitals, trauma centers, and air ambulance bases, more healthy donors are needed at blood drives and donor centers in the coming weeks.
Appointments can be made online at MBC.ORG or by calling 1-888-GIVEBLD (888-448-3253).
As a thank you, all presenting donors will receive a voucher for $5 dollars off $20 at local area Noodles and Company locations through March 31, 2021. Additional Noodles and Company drawings for $25 gift cards will occur throughout the month
More than 50 percent of the blood supply was lost when community blood drives were cancelled due to COVID-19 this year, and the supply remains low. There is less than a threeday supply of all blood types.
Blood drives are resuming, with additional precautions at all donation sites; appointments are preferred to help maintain social distancing, and donors are required to wear a face mask or face covering.
Blood donation is safe and essential, and MBC has a COVID-19 self-screening policy in addition to general eligibility guidelines. In general, you may be eligible to donate if you are:
* In good health
* 17 years or older, or 16 with written parental consent (PDF consent form available at mbc.org).
* Weigh at least 110 pounds.
* Free of antibiotics for 24 hours, unless taken for preventative reasons.
* Symptom-free for at least 72 hours following a cold or flu.
Visit MBC.ORG to find your nearest drive or donor center, or to make an appointment at one of the public blood drives below.
On March 10, blood donations for the west end of Cook County will take place in Tofte at the Zoar Lutheran Church from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
On March 11, the blood drive will be held at North Shore Health in Grand Marais from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.
About Memorial Blood Centers
Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) has been saving lives since 1948 as an independent nonprofit. MBC relies on the local community to donate blood to help ensure a safe and stable blood supply is available to area hospitals and other partners throughout the country. With operations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, MBC is a division of New York Blood Centers Enterprises (NYBCe), serving communities across the country. For more information, call 1-888-GIVE-BLD (1-888-448-3253) or visit MBC.ORG. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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