Blood donation leaders and health experts from around the state are asking Minnesotans to consider donating blood.

There is a current need to help alleviate a COVID-19 pandemic-driven blood supply shortage.  Donation levels typically allow blood banks to get supplies to hospitals that can then supply about three to five days' worth of blood on hand. However, lower-than-normal contributions have forced those levels to about one day's worth of blood.

The one day supply is a 10-year low for the state's blood supply levels.

Officials blame the shortage on fewer congregate settings like schools, churches or businesses to draw from for blood drives.

To donate blood go out the American Red Cross Blood website for a location near you.