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Sanford Bemidji hosts blood drive Aug. 13-14 Donor pre-registration required BEMIDJI, Minn. – Sanford Bemidji Medical Center is hosting the Memorial Blood Centers Bloodmobile for a community blood drive from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, and 8 a.m.-Noon on Friday, Aug. 14, in the east parking lot of the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center—1300 Anne Street NW, Bemidji. All blood types are needed - especially type O negative (O-) and O positive (O+). “Blood donors are needed every day to sustain a safe and adequate supply of blood throughout northern Minnesota, this current pandemic is no exception,” said JoAnn Kelsey, director of laboratory services at Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota. “We are thankful to continue our partnership with Memorial Blood Centers, who has been safely collecting donations across Minnesota throughout this pandemic, to provide a safe donation environment and blood supply for our community.” As a part of safety precautions, the blood drive will be divided over two days using two donation buses at half capacity instead of one to allow for social distancing between donors. All staff and donors will wear masks. Memorial Blood Center staff will take the temperatures of staff and donors upon arrival. Access to the drive will be limited to pre-registered donors and essential staff only—all donors MUST pre-register to donate. Register to donate online at www.mbc.org/searchdrives and use the code 2234. If you have any questions or concerns contact Lexy at lexy.land@innovativeblood.org or (218) 591-3000. Once registered, donors can save time by completing the health history questionnaire online the day of their donation at www.mbc.org/idonate. Donors will need a photo ID when they arrive and are encouraged to eat before donations. They will also need to ensure that they have had no cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms or known exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 72 hours or have themselves tested positive for COVID-19.