Donate Blood, Save Lives
For only the second time in Red Cross’s history, the organization has declared a national blood supply crisis due to an emergency shortage of blood. Blood donations have dropped to their lowest summer level in four years. Despite people continuing to donate blood, the supply has not kept up with the demand, particularly during the summer trauma season.
In response to this crisis, NENA is teaming up with Nokomis Tattoo to host the Nokomis East Blood Drive through Memorial Blood Centers on Wednesday, October 28, 11:00am-5:00pm. After a successful blood drive with Memorial Blood Centers in 2025, we are excited to once again collaborate with the tattoo shop and hope to see even more people give blood. “Nokomis Tattoo continues to be an amazing partner. They worked with NENA to get food to our food shelves this year, and now they are working with us to get blood to our blood banks. They are an integral part of this community.”, shares Sarah Friedman, NENA Executive Director.
The demand for blood donations is not new, however, with increased illnesses, summer heat, and poor air quality, blood donation centers are seeing a drop in donors. With only 3% of eligible donors in the United States donating blood, any decrease in donations puts a strain on blood supply. The shortage leads hospitals and medical centers to closely monitor supply and risk delaying vital procedures. Type O blood is in the highest demand as this type can be used in everyday blood transfusions as well as medical emergencies.
Nationally, someone needs blood or platelets every 2 seconds, and about 29,000 units of blood cells are needed every day. In Minnesota, according to the Mayo Clinic, one donation of blood can save three lives. The Mayo Clinic specifically needs 100 donors each day to keep up with the demand of their patients. Memorial Blood Centers, one of Minnesota’s largest blood banks, reports it needs about 350 donations per day to keep its partner hospitals supplied.
Donating blood is easy, takes less than an hour typically, and saves lives. It is usually painless with little to no effects during and post donation. Most blood donation appointments follow a similar quick and easy process that includes registration, a mini health check, the donation of blood, followed by a rest period with snacks and hydration. Donating blood is a meaningful, low-impact act that has a high reward for those who need blood the most.
NENA strives to build community within the Nokomis East neighborhoods and does this through events, including those that give back. “Neighbors in Nokomis East have again and again shown strength, kindness, and grit in our neighborhood. I know we will be able to fill every slot for our blood donation drive. I hope to see your name on the list!”, exclaims Friedman.
The Nokomis East Blood Drive is on Wednesday, October 28, 11:00am - 5:00pm, outside of Nokomis Tattoo, in the Memorial Blood Centers’ Bloodmobile. Visit www.nokomiseast.org to learn more and to make a blood donation appointment.
