Red Cross asking for donors as they declare an emergency blood shortage

Ashley Halbach KSTP

The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage and is asking for donors of all blood types, but especially type O, to avoid impacts on medical treatments.

The organization says that the heat in July impacted blood drives across the nation when the blood supply was already starting to get low.

The Red Cross says the national blood supply has fallen by more than 25% since July 1, and that type O inventory is especially low causing hospitals to get less than usual.

In Minnesota, the American Red Cross is hosting community blood drives across the state from August 5-30. You can view the list of blood drives HERE or make an appointment to donate HERE. People who make a blood donation with the Red Cross in August will get a $20 digital Amazon gift card.

Memorial Blood Centers are hosting their third annual “Pint for a Pint” blood donation event from Aug. 1 to Sept. 10. All donors will get a voucher good for a free drink or ice cream treat at participating establishments.

Memorial Blood Centers are also hosting their 15th annual month-long “Battle of the Badges” blood drive competition in August.

A number of Minnesota cities’ police and fire departments and government organizations are in a friendly competition to get the most blood donations. The winner gets a special trophy and bragging rights.

The remaining blood drives for the “Battle of the Badges” are as follows:

  • Cambridge Night to Unite
    • August 6 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
    • 300 3rd Avenue NE Cambridge, MN 55008
  • City of Braham
    • August 6 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
    • 201 Broadway Avenue South Braham, MN 55006
  • Becker Community
    • August 15 from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • 11500 Sherburne Ave Becker, MN 55308
  • Shakopee Police Department
    • August 20 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • 475 Gorman St Shakopee, MN 55379
  • City of Burnsville
    • August 21 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • 100 Civic Center Parkway Burnsville, MN 55337
  • Forest Lake Community
    • August 27 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
    • 1408 South Lake Street Forest Lake, MN 55025
  • Rogers Police and Fire
    • August 29 from 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    • 12716 Main Street Rogers, MN 55374