Nebraskans are being called on to make a donation that will save lives.
The Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) has declared a blood emergency, as our region’s is only sitting on a 1 – 3 days blood supply.
“As soon as it’s coming in, it’s going back out again,” NCBB spokesperson Kari Lundeen told KLIN News, illustrating the dire need for donations.
All blood types are needed, but the region is in critical need of O+, O-, and B- blood types.
Lundeen give us an idea of how things got to this level, “We’ve seen a large decline in first time donors and used donors. A lot of that is not having as many high school and college blood drives that we previously had pre-pandemic. Nationally, there is a shortage. So that national surplus that community blood centers/blood banks can pull from, that’s not available right now.”
If you are a prospective first time donor considering sitting down to save a life, Lundeen said there are some misconceptions she wants to set straight, “New donors may think they’re stuck in the chair with a needle in the arm for an hour… But the needle is actually only in your arm for about 7 to 10 minutes. You spend most of your time eating snacks or in the health history booth answering questions or getting a mini health exam.”
We have the power to help this situation. Young and first-time donors are being called on to step up, as hospitals and patients rely on lifesaving blood donations.
Schedule your appointment at ncbb.org.