Allina health hosting blood donations drives to reduce severe shortage

MINNEAPOLIS (June 23, 2021) – Allina Health is partnering with the American Red Cross to host blood donation drives across the Allina Health system in order to address the severe national blood shortage.

Due to an increase trauma cases, organ transplants, and elective surgeries, the American Red Cross has distributed roughly 75,000 more blood products than expected. This higher-than-average usage has resulted in a severe shortage in the national blood supply, which may lead to delays of lifesaving medical care for patients over the summer. The Red Cross is urging all eligible donors – particularly those with type O blood and those giving platelets – to aid in replenishing the supply and keeping their community healthy.

The Red Cross has set up donation drives at the following locations:

  • Allina Health Commons – Minneapolis – July 1 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Allina Health Elk River Clinic -- July 26 – Noon - 6 p.m.
  • Mercy Hospital – Coon Rapids – July 27 – 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • District One Hospital – Faribault – August 3 – Noon - 6 p.m.
  • Allina Health Woodbury Clinic – August 3 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • St. Francis Regional Medical Center – Shakopee – August 6 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Allina Health Champlin Clinic – August 16 - 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Mercy Hospital, Unity Campus – Fridley – August 20 - 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

You can search RedCrossBlood.org by zip code for donation sites nearest you or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule your appointment. To reduce your wait time, you can make an appointment and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.

About Allina Health

Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.