Blood donations are one way Minnesotans continue to volunteer while we collectively try to lower the curve against COVID-19 by staying at home.
Officials from both Memorial Blood Centers and the American Red Cross have seen a tremendous response in blood donation over the last month as people look to help out while remaining safe.
“Every two seconds someone needs blood in America,” Sue Thesenga with the American Red Cross in Minnesota said. “We still have people who need surgery, cancer patients on chemo and new mothers need ongoing transfusions. These situations don’t pause so there is a need. Blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled.”
Erica Buege, communications specialist for Memorial Blood Centers, said blood supplies were at a sustainable level, as of April 9, thanks to several factors, including hospitals stopping all elective surgeries to help devote more energy to COVID-19 patients.
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