Memorial Blood Centers hosts National Blood Donor Month Press Conference amid Blood Emergency

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

DULUTH — Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) was joined by Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert, blood recipients, and healthcare leaders for a National Blood Donor Month press conference held on Wednesday, January 21. This year’s observance in Minnesota comes during an active blood emergency, when patients cannot wait.

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.

January, which was proclaimed National Blood Donor Month by President Richard Nixon in 1970, is historically one of the most challenging months for the blood supply. The annual observance serves as an important reminder of the lifesaving impact of routine blood donation nationwide.

Memorial Blood Centers’s Duluth Donor Center heard from the following internal and guest speakers: 

• Roger Reinert, Mayor, City of Duluth
  • Jennifer Kaluza, Executive Director, Operations, Memorial Blood Centers
  • Gary Doty, Northland Advisory Board Chair
  • Jennifer Alaspa, Laboratory Administrative Director, Aspirus, St. Lukes – Duluth
  • Jena Mertz, Parent of Blood Recipient

Community leaders, healthcare partners, and MBC representatives spoke about the importance of blood donation and the urgent need for donors to step forward now.

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.