Memorial Blood Centers

03/17/2026

The luck of the Irish might be on your side! 🍀 In 2022, the FDA lifted many Mad Cow Disease (vCJD) travel restrictions, meaning people who spent time in Ireland, France, or the United Kingdom between 1980–2001 may now be eligible to donate blood.

If you’ve been waiting for your chance to give, this might be it. Check your eligibility and help save lives. Wishing you all a happy St. Patrick’s Day!

03/14/2026

Good news, donors — bakery-made cookies are BACK! 🍪

Now through March 23, everyone who comes in to donate at one of our Metro Donor Centers can enjoy a freshly made cookie as a sweet, post-donation thank-you. And that’s not all, donors will also receive a coupon for an additional cookie from Lunds & Byerlys to enjoy later!

Come give blood, grab a cookie, and leave knowing you made a difference.

03/13/2026

As the threat of another winter storm approaches, donations are more critical than ever. If it's safe for you to do so, please stop by a donor center this week and help keep our region's blood supply strong.

No matter the weather, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4ut46Dg

03/13/2026

Yesterday we had the opportunity to recognize some outstanding members of our team whose work truly strengthens our mission and the people behind it. Congratulations to this year’s Divisional Award recipients for their leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence.

🏆 Catie Schiltz received the Divisional Field Mentor Award
Catie was recognized for the incredible support she provides to new hires in the field. Through coaching, precepting, and leading by example, she helps new team members build confidence and feel welcomed from day one.

🏆 Ashlee Antell received the Divisional Leadership Excellence Award
Ashlee was honored for her exceptional leadership and ability to guide teams through challenges while maintaining a focus on staff development and donor service.

🏆 Becca Olson received the Divisional Automation Champion Award
Becca received this award for her leadership in advancing automation across our operations. Through education, collaboration, and hands-on support, she helps colleagues understand the value of automation and feel confident adopting new processes.

These awards highlight the dedication, teamwork, and innovation that drive our mission forward every day. Congratulations again to Catie, Ashlee, and Becca, and thank you for the impact you make across our organization. 👏

03/12/2026

Spring is a great time to give back and give blood! As the seasons change and schedules fill up, the need for blood doesn’t take a break. Hospitals rely on blood donors every single day for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care, and more.

Just one blood donation can help save up to three lives, and it only takes about an hour to make a lasting impact on someone in our community. This spring, take a moment to do something meaningful.

03/11/2026

In 2022, Vinny was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer. What followed was a long fight filled with uncertainty, strength, and hope. More than 30 blood and platelet transfusions helped carry him through treatment, one day at a time.

Each donation he received was more than blood. It was energy when he felt weak, hope when things were hard, and the support of strangers who gave him the chance to keep fighting.

Today, Vinny is thriving as a passionate jiu-jitsu athlete and an advocate for blood donation. You may recognize him from our recipient stories, where he shares a simple but powerful message: one donation can save a life.

❤️ If you’re eligible, please schedule an appointment this week and help give someone else the chance to keep going.

03/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our two-day Northern News Now Blood Drive! 🩸❤️

Your willingness to roll up your sleeves and donate helps ensure patients in our community have the lifesaving blood they need when it matters most. Events like this truly show the power of a community coming together to help others.

A special thank you as well to our partners at Tanner's Express Car Wash and The Sota Shop for designing this year's limited-edition MN Gives t-shirts.

03/08/2026

This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to recognize the incredible impact women have on the lifesaving mission of blood donation.

Did you know that nearly 55% of blood donors in the United States are female? Every day, women across our communities roll up their sleeves to help ensure hospitals have the blood they need for patients facing surgery, cancer treatments, trauma, and more.

Whether they’re donating themselves, encouraging friends and family to give, or volunteering at blood drives, women play a vital role in keeping the blood supply strong.

To all the women who give their time, compassion, and blood to help others, thank you for being lifesavers. ❤️

03/07/2026

“I can make sure somebody else is living or thriving because of my blood,” says Jean Franckowiak, a donor for nearly 50 years.

Hospitals rely on blood, sometimes using between 10 to 40 units in a single day to care for patients in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and birthing centers. Behind every unit of blood is a generous donor making that care possible.

Looking to save lives in your area? Join us March 9 or 10 for the Northern News Now Blood Drive. Afternoon and night appointments available ➡️ https://bit.ly/4slGUVu

How does your blood donation actually get to the patients who need it most?

03/05/2026

Every day, patients rely on the generosity of blood donors. From trauma victims and cancer patients to those undergoing surgery or managing chronic illnesses, blood donations help save and sustain lives in countless ways.

The need for blood never stops, but it can only be met when people in our community choose to roll up their sleeves and donate. One donation can help up to three patients and give families more time with the people they love.

If you’re eligible, consider making an appointment to donate. It’s a simple act that has a powerful impact.

03/03/2026

Meet Abbie, an EMT who’s making a lifesaving impact on and off the clock.

“We had a patient that was really sick, and they were hanging blood for him, so I’m having a full-circle moment here,” Abbie shared while making her second ever blood donation. Now headed to paramedic school, Abbie says donating feels especially meaningful.

Thank you for everything you do for our community, Abbie, and for stepping up to help patients in need. 💙

03/02/2026

How did Allison chose to spend her birthday? By saving lives with a few of her closest friends!

“I loved my birthday blood drive,” Allison shared after her group's donation. “It was so nice to know we helped so many people we don't even know.”

Happy Birthday, Allison, and thank you and your amazing friends for making your celebration one that truly made a difference!