Critical blood shortages prompt Allina Health to urge donations

MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 15, 2021) — The American Red Cross is experiencing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. During the holidays they typically see a decline in blood donations, so this season, strongly consider a gift of blood – it could save a life.

The need for blood products continues to outpace donations. Allina Health is currently in the red status for O positive and O negative blood types. Allina Health needs these products to best care for those who rely on us. To get back on track, it’s simple, we need YOU. Allina Health is helping by sponsoring Red Cross blood drives at Allina Health facilities to encourage our employees to give. We also encourage members of the public to find an available appointment near you:

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

People can also help by applying to become blood donor ambassadors. For frequent donors, this can be a great way to help between donations. In this role, you connect with donors by greeting them, helping them with intake and making them feel comfortable throughout the process. As the Red Cross says on its web site, “each volunteer shift you take is another opportunity to help save lives.”

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, 15 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.