Memorial Blood Centers Has an Urgent Need for Blood Donors This Holiday Season

ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 24, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Memorial Blood Centers today issued a critical alert for donations from Type O negative blood donors. There is also an urgent need for Type A negative blood donors to make a donation during this holiday season.

The need for blood is constant, with someone requiring blood every two seconds. Holidays disrupt the usual flow of blood donations, yet all the travelers on the road – and the prediction for inclement weather – increase the opportunity for accidents and need for blood. Memorial Blood Centers is facing a serious challenge in maintaining an adequate supply of certain blood types to meet the needs of our 30-plus local hospital partners operating in the Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin communities we serve.  

We have a critical need for donations from type O- (O negative) blood donors. About 7% of people are Type O negative, or only one in 16 donors.

• Type O blood (either positive or negative) is the only blood type that can be safely used for all emergency blood transfusions.
• And with over 45% of the U.S. population having Type O blood, thousands in our community could qualify to donate immediately.  

While all blood types are always in demand, right now there is also an urgent appeal for donations from A- (A negative) blood donors.  

The need for blood doesn't stop during the holiday season. And whatever your type, you could help save a life today by donating blood with our local Memorial Blood Centers. Memorial Blood Centers has donor centers open today, Wednesday, November 24, and on Friday, November 26. Select locations are also open on Saturday, November 27.

"Making a blood donation is safe, convenient, and takes only about one hour of time," said Wendy Capetz, Director of Marketing and Development at Memorial Blood Centers. "We call on volunteers everywhere to offer thanks this holiday season with a donation that can make a lasting impact on a neighbor, friend, or family member. Give thanks for your health this holiday season, and please celebrate by giving a gift that doesn't require cash, a box, or a bow -- just the generous gift of time," Capetz added.

Make an appointment to donate today by calling 888-GIVE-BLD (888-448-3253) or go online now to MBC.org and make a date to save a life.

About Memorial Blood Centers

Memorial Blood Centers has been saving lives for over 60 years as an independent nonprofit supplying life-saving blood to area hospitals and other partners throughout the U.S. Operating 11 donor centers and conducting hundreds of blood drives each month, Memorial Blood Centers also provides comprehensive testing and expert technical services as a national leader in transfusion medicine. For more information, call 888-GIVE-BLD or visit www.MBC.org.

SOURCE Memorial Blood Centers