Blood Donation Leave

April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week! Donating blood is a wonderful volunteer project and blood donations are in high demand. Memorial Blood Centers reports that blood donations have been so low in recent weeks that they are declaring a blood emergency. 

Sign up to donate blood and as a bonus, remember that MAPE members can receive three hours of paid leave each year to donate blood. 

According to Minnesota State statute 43A.187, state employees are allowed up to three hours of paid leave (within a 12-month period) when donating blood during the workday at a non-employer-sponsored event. Please note Minnesota State employees are not included in this leave unless the blood drive is hosted on your campus.The employee must provide notice to their supervisor 14 days in advance of the leave request. Use the earn code MSL on your timesheet. Please include a note within the timesheet comment box noting that this was for “blood donation leave – non-employer sponsored.” The employee and supervisor are responsible for keeping track of these leave hours. Please reach out to your Human Resources staff with any questions. 

If you donate, take a picture and email us at action@mape.org. MAPE is 17,000 strong and if we all pitch in, we can make a difference in turning around this blood emergency.