All who come to donate between September 2nd and September 9th will be entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card
MINNESOTA – As Labor Day approaches, Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) is calling on blood donors to help maintain the region’s blood supply heading into the holiday weekend and busy back-to-school season.
Blood donations typically decline around holiday weekends as travel, end-of-summer plans, back-to-school activities, and changing routines make it more difficult for donors to give. During Labor Day week last year, blood collections at MBC dropped nearly 25% during Labor Day week, a decline of more than 600 donations in a single week.
Following a summer of critically low donations and blood emergencies across the country, the need for donors heading into the fall remains urgent. As back-to-school season brings another shift in routines and schedules, MBC is calling on donors to make time to give and help ensure blood is available for patients when they need it.
To encourage donations, all who come to donate from Wednesday, September 2nd through Wednesday, September 9th will be entered for a *chance to win a $500 gift card, with one winner selected each day of the sweepstakes.
“Holiday weekends are always challenging for the blood supply, and last Labor Day we saw a significant drop in donations, ” said Kathy Geist, Vice President of Operations at Memorial Blood Centers. “The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday. We’re asking Minnesotans to make time to donate and help ensure blood is available for patients throughout the holiday weekend and into the fall.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors up to twice each month. Recent FDA eligibility updates also mean more people than ever may now be eligible to donate. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit mbc.org or call 1.888.448.3253.
*Sweepstakes terms and conditions can be viewed here.
