Hey, baby, what's your type?
At the Memorial Blood Centers' annual fundraiser April 21, that wasn't a pickup line. It was about another type of matchmaking -- with blood types.
In the St. Paul bloodmobile hangar, the state's largest community blood center tested partygoers -- separating the B's from the O's, the positives from the negatives -- to raise awareness of the need for donations. The nonprofit conducts more than 2,000 blood drives a year to meet demand.
"Blood is the only donation that comes out of your arm and not your wallet," said Dr. Jed Gorlin, medical director of Memorial Blood Centers.
Being tested was certainly eye-opening for Ashley Adam. She went to the event thinking her type was O-positive. However, a quick finger prick revealed that she was A-negative, a type found in only 6 percent of the population, including her best friend.
The discovery made Adam exclaim: "We have a blood safety net forever!" she said.
Blood sisters, indeed.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177
