Why donate blood in the summer?

[Allina Health Newsroom, July 24, 2024] Allina Health and Minnesota United (MNUFC) teamed up to host a blood drive at Allianz Field in St. Paul to help raise awareness about the increased need for donors during the summer months. While blood donations are needed every two seconds across the country all year round, during the summer months, the American Red Cross sees a drop in donations.
 
“Full summer calendars and holiday plans may prevent regular donors from being able to give,” said the Red Cross in a news release. 

With that in mind, Allina Health and MNUFC staged a beautiful event to attract donors to give, even with busy summer schedules. The team’s beloved mascot PK was on hand to greet donors as they checked in with Allina Health volunteers and began donating. Minda Garcia, vice president, Allina Health’s Customer Experience Center, was among the donors.  

“I know one donation can save up to three lives, and since my body keeps producing blood, this is something I can do easily to help our community,” said Garcia, who also sits on the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region Board of Directors. She has been donating blood consistently for more than two decades. 

“The first time I gave was with my sister. She actually passed away from cancer, but she learned about her cancer at a blood drive,” shared Garcia. “That’s why I continue to donate every single time.” 

30,000 units of blood are needed daily across the country, according to the American Red Cross. In total, 43 people donated during the event at Allianz Field, with seven first time donors. One season ticket holder said he’s a regular donor but really liked the idea of coming to Allianz Field because it felt like he was supporting the community as well as the soccer club. It’s one of the reasons MNUFC and Allina Health continue to collaborate on events like these. 

“We know that our fan base is super engaged in the community so it’s great to open up this beautiful space and give them a chance to come to Allianz Field and support the community in this way,” said Tierney Rogers, director of partnership marketing with MNUFC.

Allina Health and MNUFC continue to partner in so many dynamic ways to help the community. In addition to the blood drive, Allina Health and Minnesota United collaborate to elevate the MNUFC Power (wheelchair) Soccer Team, offer wellness support for MNUFC Academy, create episodes of the Sound of the Loons Podcast and more.