Less than 2-day supply overall; type O blood falls below 1-day supply as trauma season begins
All Blood Types Desperately Needed. Types A-, B-, and O+/O- hit dangerous lows
MINNESOTA — Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) has declared a blood emergency as supplies drop to less than a two-day supply overall and under one day for type O blood, the most critical type used in emergency care. The shortage comes at the start of the summer “trauma season,” when hospitals typically see a rise in serious injuries, including car crashes and other emergencies requiring large volumes of blood.
“Summer is one of the most challenging times to maintain the blood supply,” said Kathy Geist, Vice President of Operations at Memorial Blood Centers. “We’re seeing donations decline just as hospital demand rises. When supplies fall this low, it becomes increasingly difficult to ensure blood is available for patients who need it most.”
A blood emergency means the available supply has dropped below safe levels to meet routine and urgent patient needs. Unlike other medical supplies, blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life, meaning hospitals rely on a steady stream of donors to meet daily demand. For trauma centers, where patients may require large volumes of blood within minutes, maintaining an adequate supply is critical.
At Level I Trauma Centers, clinicians see firsthand how quickly blood is needed in life-threatening situations.
“In trauma care, seconds matter, and so does access to blood,” said Dr. Jonathan Gibson, North Memorial Health. “A single patient experiencing severe injuries from a car crash or other trauma can require dozens of units of blood. When the supply is this low, it puts added pressure on care teams and underscores just how essential blood donors are to saving lives.”
“We rely on blood products every day of the year to care for patients in need. While many people associate transfusions with surgery or ongoing treatment, demand often increases during the summer months as trauma cases rise,” said Dawn Wicklund, Transfusion Services Supervisor at Essentia Health. “At the same time, donations frequently decline due to vacations and travel, which can create a critical blood shortage. We depend on the generosity of donors to provide these life-saving gifts and help us continue delivering the best possible care to our community. These are not just patients—they are our family, friends, and neighbors. If you are looking for a reason to donate, please give for them. Your donation can make a real difference in someone’s life.”
Stories like Alicia Northenscold’s underscore how quickly blood is needed in traumatic emergencies.
After a head-on collision left her trapped in her vehicle, Alicia was rushed to the hospital, where she received eight units of blood to survive. She suffered severe injuries, including multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury, and spent months recovering. Today, she is a mother of two, a Memorial Blood Centers employee, and a regular blood donor helping ensure others have access to lifesaving blood.
“Donated blood saved my life. In an emergency, there’s no substitute. It’s there because someone chose to give,” said Alicia. “That’s why I donate today and encourage others to make it part of their routine. You never know when someone’s life will depend on it.” Watch Alicia share her remarkable story.
Memorial Blood Centers is asking all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to schedule an immediate appointment to donate. 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.
