LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Community Blood Bank in Lincoln has merged with its longtime Minnesota associate, Memorial Blood Centers.

Both will become divisions of a new organization called Innovative Blood Resources that will be based in St. Paul.

CEO Phyllis Ericson, of the Lincoln blood bank, says both agencies have been affected by the depressed economy and says that’s a key reason for the merger.

The blood banks will merge effective Aug. 1. Officials say blood donors and hospitals shouldn’t notice any changes.

Nebraska Community Blood Bank was founded in 1968. It collects about 50,000 units of blood annually to share with hospitals in six counties.

Memorial Blood Centers collects nearly 200,000 units of blood each year and serves 32 hospitals in Minnesota and Wisconsin.