Memorial Blood Centers seek donations

Amid the ongoing challenges of recruiting blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic, local nonprofit Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) is facing a shortage of blood and platelet donations.

Local donation events include: Monday, March 22, at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 2739 Stinson Blvd. NE, 1:30-6:30 pm; Monday, March 22, at Indeed Brewing, 711 15^th Ave. NE, noon-5pm; and Tuesday, March 30, at State Farm Columbia Heights, 4634 Central Ave. NE, 11:30 am-4:30 pm.

As a thank you, all presenting donors will receive a voucher for $5 dollars off $20 at local area Noodles and Company locations through March 31. Additional Noodles and Company drawings of $25 gift cards will occur throughout the month.

More than 50% of the blood supply was lost when community blood drives were cancelled due to COVID-19 this year, and the supply remains low (less than a 3-day supply of all blood types). Blood drives are resuming, with additional precautions at all donation sites; appointments are preferred to help maintain social distancing, and donors are required to wear a face mask or face covering.

Blood donation is safe and essential, and MBC has a COVID-19 self-screening policy in addition to general eligibility guidelines. In general, you may be eligible to donate if you are: in good health, 17 years or older, or 16 with written parental consent (consent form available at MBC.ORG), at least 110 pounds, free of antibiotics for 24 hours (unless taken for preventative reasons), and symptom-free for at least 72 hours following a cold or flu. Info and appointments: MBC.ORG.