All blood types needed as blood supply drops below 2-day inventory; O-negative and O-positive critically low
NEBRASKA – Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) has declared a blood emergency in Nebraska and Western Iowa as the region’s blood supply drops below a 2-day inventory, far below the 7-day supply needed to meet hospital and patient needs. While all blood types are urgently needed, the shortage is especially severe for types O-negative and O-positive, which are vital for emergency situations and trauma care.
“We urgently need the community’s help to rebuild the blood supply and prevent this situation from becoming more dire,” said Cheryl Warholoski, Executive Director of Blood Operations at Nebraska Community Blood Bank. “Donating blood is one of the most direct and impactful ways to support our healthcare system and save lives.”
Summer has brought an expected decline in donations, driven by vacations, school breaks, and intense heat waves that have kept donors indoors. Combined with increased trauma cases, the impact on the local blood supply has been severe. “Every time you hear a siren or see a helicopter overhead, there’s a chance that patient will need blood,” said Warholoski. “We need to make sure it’s on the shelves before they ever get to the hospital.”
Area hospitals aren’t alone in this crisis. Blood shortages are a growing concern nationwide. But the solution is local – and immediate. NCBB is calling on community members to step up now and ensure blood is available for those who need it.
Dr. Charity Evans, MD, Trauma Surgeon at Nebraska Medicine, emphasized the urgency: “Any of us could need blood at any time. I witness that need firsthand. The patients I treat never expect to sustain a serious traumatic injury,” said Evans. “They don’t plan to need an ambulance or end up in one of our trauma bays. But when they do, we will be ready. Part of being ready is to make sure we have an adequate blood supply. That’s where the donor is so important.”
How You Can Help:
FOR MEDIA: Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. will donate at NCBB’s Eagle Run Donor Center (13110 Birch Dr.) on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 5pm. Media are invited to obtain b-roll and interviews.
In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can give up to twice per month.To view current eligibility guidelines or to make an appointment, visit ncbb.org or call 402.486.9414.
