The last few nights, while I've been at home and eating dinner with my family or watching Netflix, I've noticed the helicopter from Rochester, Minnesota's Mayo Clinic making quite a few trips.  One of the flight paths is right over my house and this might be TMI, but I've had a family member take a helicopter ride so his life could be saved.  I still get a little choked up from that moment and it makes me think of the family members that couldn't fit on the helicopter that are now driving to Rochester to be with their loved one.  At one point, I was one of those family members.

Photo by Robert Vergeson on Unsplash
Photo by Robert Vergeson on Unsplash
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One item that quite a few people need in a medical emergency is blood, and unfortunately, there is a huge shortage right now.  But, there is an easy solution and one that you can actually help with and if you do, you'll help save 3 lives!

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
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A Special Group of People in Rochester Being Asked to Roll Up Their Sleeves ASAP

A few months ago, I rolled up my sleeve and turned my head away as my blood filled up a bag that would go to three people who needed it to survive in Southeast Minnesota.

Jessica Williams
Jessica Williams
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Unfortunately, more than just my blood is needed and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota just sent out an urgent message asking for everyone to help, specifically those of us who have one of the O blood types.  (If that is you - FYI, you are VERY special!)

Why are O blood types so important?

O- is the blood type most often used for transfusions when a patient's blood type is unknown, likely in trauma situations. - Blood Donor Program - Mayo Clinic

Every blood type is needed but if you are falling in that special category and have an O blood type like myself, that next person being life-flighted to Rochester or picked up by EMS and brought to St. Mary's Hospital could be saved because you decided to give.

Jessica Williams
Jessica Williams
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2 Locations in Rochester, Minnesota where you can donate blood.

  • #1 - Mayo Clinic, Hilton Building, First Floor, 210 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902
    •  The Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center's location on the main floor of the Hilton Building is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with special late-night hours on Tuesday, Dec. 21 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • #2 - Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus, Joseph Building, Main Floor, Room M-86, 1216 Second St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902
    • The Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center's location at Joseph M-86 is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.How to make an appointment to donate blood in Rochester, Minnesota

Same-day appointments are available!  Just call (507) 284-4475 to see about openings or at a time that works best for you.

Learn more about the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program at their website here.

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Blood donor at donation.
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Who really benefits from the blood that I give?

There are so many patients that are receiving care in Rochester for so many different reasons.  Your blood could be reaching kids that are fighting cancer or even a celebrity that is getting care in our town.  The land of Mayo Clinic sees many celebrities that are kept top secret but if you scroll a little bit, you'll see a few that have been patients at Mayo Clinic.

12 Celebrities Who Have Been Patients at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

When you are one of the best hospitals in the world, you are going to attract some celebrities. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota has seen quite a few throughout its history.

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