Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art blood center in Duluth on Tuesday. The event marked a significant milestone for the community, with local elected officials, hospital leaders, and community members gathering for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert and former Duluth Mayor Gary Doty were among the dignitaries in attendance. Representatives from Essentia Health and other community leaders also joined the festivities to honor the opening of this lifesaving facility.
One of the center’s key features is its capability to facilitate platelet donations, a first for Northland donors. Platelets, essential for normal blood clotting, are crucial in treating cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This advancement will greatly enhance MBC’s ability to support regional patients.
A highlight of the event was the presence of 8-year-old Bennett, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patient from Duluth. Diagnosed at 21 months, Bennett has been in remission for the past three years, thanks to several blood transfusions he received during his treatment. At the grand opening, Bennett had the chance to meet Rick Rice, one of the donors whose generous contributions helped save his life.
Kathy Geist, Vice President of Regional Operations at Memorial Blood Centers, emphasized the center’s importance to the community. “Our new donor center in Duluth is a significant advancement in our ability to serve the community. With the addition of platelet donation capabilities in the area, we can better support patients like Bennett and many others who rely on the generosity of blood donors.”
The new donor center represents a bright future for blood donation in Duluth, promising enhanced patient support through the generosity of the community’s donors.
