Mississippi Headwaters Blood Bank, Inc. is a non-profit blood bank serving as the primary blood supply for Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. Incorporated in 1959, it was established by the Ralph Gracie American Legion Post at the request of the then Bemidji Hospital to replace the previous system that involved contacting the various veteran organizations for donors. Since that time MHBB has provided over 40,000 units of blood to patients from the greater Bemidji region. Reflecting the patients served by Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, our member/donors come from an area reaching from Baudette to Park Rapids and from Fosston to Deer River.
During the past 50 years, MHBB has served the community in other ways. Since 1976, MHBB have provided over a $225,000 back to the community in education and equipment. The first two dialysis units at the hospital were purchased by MHBB. They have also provided scholarships for Bemidji State University students entering their clinical for a degree in Medical Technology and funds for furthering education for the SBMC lab staff.
Donors are drawn at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center on Wednesdays during the hours of 12 Noon through 6:45 PM by appointment only. To make an appointment or to contact Mississippi Headwaters Blood Bank, call 218-751-2425 or 1-800-354-0587 during the business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM or send us an email to make an appointment.
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The officers of Mississippi Headwaters Blood Bank are:
- President–Norton Berg, Laporte
- Treasurer–Dianna Fredrickson, Solway
- Secretary–Kevin Larson, Solway
Board of Directors are:
- Daniel Johnson, Bemidji–Chair
- Carol Berg, Laporte–Secretary
- Kevin Larson, Solway
- Patrick Miller, Bemidj
- Lyle Fenske, Waskish
- Arlene Lundberg, Solway
- Rob Belanger, Bemidji
Office Secretaries are:
- Peggy Hadrava, Bemidji
- Jackie Hites, Guthrie
If you wish to contact the officers or directors, you may do so through the MHBB office at 218-751-2425 or 1-800-354-0587 or by e-mail.
