MINNEAPOLIS, Mn. (September 3, 2025) — In the week since the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church on August 27, Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) has seen an outpouring of support and an unprecedented response from donors across the region.
Immediately following the tragedy, blood donation appointments increased by more than 400% across Minnesota, and overall donations are up 60%, representing nearly 900 more donations than MBC typically sees at this time of year. To put that in perspective, each blood donation has the potential to help save up to three lives, meaning the additional donations given this week alone could positively impact more than 2,500 patients in local hospitals.
Even more inspiring is the number of new donors stepping forward. Of the 2,371 donations collected at MBC donation locations in the week following the tragedy, an incredible 560 were first-time donors, representing 24% of all donations. Normally, first-time donors make up about 11% of MBC’s donations during this season, making this a remarkable 13% increase.
That same spirit of resilience was evident at Annunciation Catholic Church’s blood drive on Wednesday, September 3, held exactly one week after the tragedy. Parishioners, neighbors, and community members came together in solidarity, with 84 people registering to donate and 73 units of blood collected. The drive far surpassed its original goal of 60 donations, a testament to the generosity and determination of all who participated.
“I think this is a great way to pull together,” said MBC’s director of Human Resources and parent of two Annunciation graduates, Justin Nuahn. “We are all grieving in different ways, but to be together and to act in service to each other and to the community is a great way to feel like you have meaning, like you have purpose and are contributing.
MBC extends our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and parish community impacted by last week’s events. At the same time, we are profoundly grateful to every individual who has donated blood during this difficult period. Your generosity is already making a direct impact on patients in trauma situations, cancer treatment, childbirth, surgery, and countless other circumstances where blood is urgently needed.
The need for blood, however, extends beyond this moment. Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion. Patients of all kinds, whether recovering from accidents, undergoing surgery, or receiving ongoing medical care, depend on the steady availability of blood every single day. If you have not yet given, or if you are considering making your first donation, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at a donor center or mobile drive near you.
Visit MBC.org to find a convenient location and help ensure that lifesaving blood is always available when and where it is needed most.
