MEMORIAL BLOOD CENTERS DECLARES BLOOD EMERGENCY AS DONATIONS DROP SHARPLY ACROSS MINNESOTA 

Nearly 40% post-holiday decline leaves less than a two-day blood supply for hospitals statewide 

MINNESOTA — Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) has declared a blood emergency and is urging eligible donors to give as blood donations across the region have fallen to critically low levels. In recent weeks, donations have fallen nearly 40% below hospital needs, resulting in less than a two-day supply for more than 55 hospitals statewide. 

The declaration comes at a time when many Minnesotans are seeking meaningful ways to support their communities. Blood donation remains a direct, tangible way for individuals to help ensure hospitals have the resources they need to care for patients every day. 

The emergency appeal follows an exceptionally challenging end to the year, caused by: 

• Major holiday disruptions, with Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on historically high collection days, resulting in nearly 1,100 fewer donations than needed over a two-week period. 

• Seasonal illness, with Minnesota health officials reporting that flu and other seasonal illnesses have spiked in recent weeks, severely limiting donor turnout. 

• Winter weather and seasonal conditions throughout the region have disrupted travel and impacted donor turnout. 

“We are entering the new year with a critically low blood supply after a year that reminded us all how important it is for hospitals to be prepared for the unexpected,” said Kathy Geist, Vice President, Blood Operations at Memorial Blood Centers. “Blood is needed every day for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and more, and there is no substitute when donations fall short. We’re calling on community members to care for one another during this time by making a lifesaving blood donation.”  

While January marks National Blood Donor Month, this year’s observance in Minnesota comes during an active blood emergency, when patients cannot wait. Because blood has a limited shelf life, immediate donations are critical to stabilizing the supply and preventing disruptions to patient care.  

To help prevent emergencies like this one, MBC encourages donors to become All Seasons Lifesavers by making blood donation a routine part of their lives and giving once each season in 2026. MBC also offers additional donor loyalty programs based on donation type, recognizing those who give consistently throughout the year. Learn more here.  

In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can give up to twice per month. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit mbc.org or call 1.888.448.3253.     

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About Memorial Blood Centers   
Founded in 1948, Memorial Blood Centers have served Minnesota and Wisconsin for more than 75 years, delivering more than 125,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 50+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. MBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. MBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit mbc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.