Allina Health and MNUFC to host blood drive during critical time

ST. PAUL, Minn. (July 17, 2025) — Minnesota United (MNUFC) is partnering with Allina Health to host a blood drive on Thursday, July 24 at Allianz Field in St. Paul from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Here’s the link to sign up.

“Summer is one of the most challenging times to collect blood, but the need never takes a vacation,” said Kathy Geist, vice president at Memorial Blood Centers (MBC). “With decreased donations impacting our blood supply across the state, we’re grateful to partner with Allina Health and Minnesota United to rally Minnesotans and highlight the critical role blood donors play in saving lives every day.”

Three things typically contribute to a greater need for blood donors during the summer months: summer travel, school breaks and an increase in accidents and injuries that begins during Memorial Day weekend, according to MBC. Nearly a quarter of trauma patients require blood transfusions for treatment. The act of donating blood plays a critical role in caring for our communities, as one pint of blood has the potential to save up to three lives.

“We are proud to partner with MNUFC to raise awareness about the need for blood donations in our community and host this blood donation event,” said Ellie Henderscheid, manager, System Community Engagement and Social Impact at Allina Health.

With Allianz Field in the backdrop, donors will not only perform a selfless act but also get an up-close-and-personal look at the stadium and possibly get a visit from MNUFC mascot PK, who has also registered for the event.

“MNUFC has the best community and the best fans in professional soccer. We are grateful for an opportunity to host events that give back to the community and raise awareness about important issues like the need for more blood donations during the summer months,” said Minnesota United Director of Community Relations Jen Winterfeldt.

Allina Health is the Official Health Care Provider of MNUFC.

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, 16 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical services and transportation. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Professional soccer has been a part of Minnesota for over four decades, and since 2013, Minnesota United FC has been at the forefront of growing the game at all levels. MNUFC currently competes in three different levels established by Major League Soccer: Minnesota United FC (MLS), MNUFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro) and the MNUFC Academy (MLS NEXT). Allianz Field – constructed in 2019 in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota – is the home to Minnesota United games, and the club trains at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota. In 2025, MNUFC’s first team returns to the pitch for its ninth season in MLS.

Founded in 1948, Memorial Blood Centers have served Minnesota and Wisconsin for more than 75 years, delivering more than 125,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 50+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. MBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. MBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit mbc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.