Minnesota health officials say the state's blood supply is critically low and are calling for action to address the problem.

"I think giving blood is one of the most important things I can do," said Debbie Burgess of Robbinsdale, Minnesota.

Community members spent their Friday donating blood because of a shortage.

"I wasn't planning on giving today because I'm going away next week. But I figured I might as well squeeze it in," said Burgess.

Corey Bianchi-Rossi works for Memorial Blood Centers, which supplies blood for the majority of Minnesota hospitals.

"The inventory that we have has dipped below a two-day supply," said Bianchi-Rossi. "Normally, we carry a five- to seven-day supply of inventory."

The shortage forced them to declare a blood emergency on Aug. 11. Health officials are

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