Wednesday is World Blood Donor Day and the Nebraska Community Blood Bank is encouraging local residents locals to sign up, make a blood donation and bring a friend.
The day is meant to encourage blood donations and raise awareness of the need for blood. The World Health Organization’s theme for World Blood Donor Day this year is “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.” The NCBB is encouraging young people to donate blood and make it a lifelong habit.
The unprecedented health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline of 48% of high school blood donations year over year, as schools transitioned to remote learning and safety restrictions limited in-person gatherings.
Prior to the pandemic, NCBB collected an average of 2500 blood donations each year from high school blood drives. This number has not yet rebounded as high school donations continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels. NCBB Marketing Manager Kari Lundeen tells KLIN News all blood types are needed.
She says there is only a 4-5 day supply of of each blood type available for hospitals. She says they typically see a drop in blood donation appointment during summer months because people are on vacation.
You can schedule an appointment at NCBB.org or call 402-486-9414.