Memorial Blood Centers announced a blood emergency Wednesday afternoon due to the long-term effects of lower donation number caused by the pandemic.

"Almost 40,000 of our regular blood donors have not returned to donate since this pandemic began," said Nicole Gulbranson, the Donor Services Manager at Memorial’s Duluth location.

She also said that there have been virtually no new donors either due to the cancelations of school and community blood drives that usually attract first time high school and college donors.

Memorial Blood Centers has asked that local hospitals reduce their blood orders, as they currently can't keep up with the previous pace.

"Currently we have critical inventory of type O Positive, A Positive, B Positive, and B Negative, meaning we have a two day supply or less," explained Gulbranson. "Blood is an essential component of emergency preparedness. It is perishable and supply constantly needs to be replaced."

Memorial Blood Centers are currently offering a new incentive for everyone who comes in to give blood throughout the month of June. Every person will be entered into a daily drawing to win free Twins’ tickets.

"It's a very easy process.  You can go to mbc.org and sign up today.  You can find a blood drive or donor center near you.  It'll take about 45 minutes out of your day and you can sign up for Twins' tickets and walk away knowing you helped save a life."

To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/memorial-blood-centers-blood-emergency/6136124/