Memorial Blood Centers make urgent plea for donations

Описание: Anyone working in the medical field can attest to the fact that there is always a need for blood.

"Cancer doesn't take a holiday, and so blood use year-round is pretty constant," said Dr. Jed Gorlin of Memorial Blood Centers.

Dr. Gorlin says cancer may not take holidays off, but unfortunately for Memorial Blood Centers, people do.

"Our usual blood drives at things like schools and churches are very difficult to schedule this time of year," he said.

Which makes donors such as Alan Olson of Maple Grove and T.R. of Delano, that much more important this time of year.

"Both my parents did it," Olson said. "It's just a way of life."

"I actually have a real good friend who has ALS, and since I can't give an arm or a leg, I've been coming in here to donate blood," said T.R., referring to the Plymouth location.

"We have over 400 donations every day, which is a great number," Dr. Gorlin said. "We like to have at least three days of supply, which would be approaching 1,500 units."

However, Memorial Blood Centers have less than a three-day supply for some blood types, which is part of the reason for the increased need.

"I also work at Hennepin County Medical Center, where we're seeing the usual summer increase in people on motorcycles out doing fun things, but sadly, with fun things comes accidents," Dr. Gorlin said.

Meanwhile, the donors who do have enough free time to come in and donate blood say they understand the impact they're making.

"I know I'm helping everybody, and anybody," T.R. said. "And it's easy to do and it's painless."

"Blood and platelets only last for a certain amount of time," Olson said. "And there's a relatively small amount of the population that actually gives."

Memorial Blood Centers say they are in need of all types of blood. People need to weigh at least 110 pounds, and you're rewarded with cookies from the Cookie Cart after you donate.

For more information, on how to donate, you can click here.

Delane Cleveland

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