On Tuesday, July 30, we celebrated an exciting milestone for Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) as the doors opened to the first donor center in the south metro area of Apple Valley. The grand opening event was a resounding success, bringing together community leaders, local businesses, and residents who share our commitment to saving lives through blood donation.

Apple Valley Mayor Clint Hooppaw and Lakeville Mayor Luke Hellier attended, marking the significance of the new donor center’s presence in the community. Their enthusiastic support was echoed by the attendance of Apple Valley Chamber President Ed Kearney and Lakeville Chamber President Krista Jech. We were also honored to welcome members of the Apple Valley City Council and other city officials, further solidifying the strong community ties that will be vital as we establish this new center.

A highlight of the morning was the heartfelt story shared by donor recipient and longtime volunteer Margaret Korolchuk. Margaret’s experience, requiring 16 units of blood after giving birth, was a reminder of the lifesaving impact donations have.

The Apple Valley donor center is not just a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility; it represents our expanding reach and commitment to serving more donors in the south metro area. This new center will allow us to engage with the local community on a deeper level while providing an accessible location for donors.

The successful launch of the Apple Valley donor center is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at NYBCe. We are excited about the potential to make an impact in this community and are grateful for the overwhelming support received.