The Nebraska Community Blood Bank has declared a blood emergency. Kari Lundeen is Community Outreach Representative and says they are experiencing a major blood shortage.
“Normally around the holidays we expect a drop, because people are busy. However, we have seen that challenge happen much sooner this month with not enough people coming in to donate.”
Lundeen says some blood types are in very short supply. “B negative, O negative, that’s going to be less than a one day supply. We’ve notified our hospitals, so the hospitals are aware of what the supply looks like.”
Lundeen says if you’ve never donated blood before now is the time to consider rolling up your sleeve. “One of the largest misconceptions with someone who has never donated before is they think the needle is in their home for an hour. Really, the needle is only in your arm for that the needle is in your arm for 7-10 minutes, at most.”
If you are interested in giving the gift of life you can schedule a blood donation appointment at NCBB.ORG or call 402-486-9414.