Urgent appeal for donors as Labor Day approaches and blood supply remains at critical levels; donors will be entered to win a vacation package for two furnished by Winspire and a $1500 Flightgift gift card
NEBRASKA – As Labor Day approaches, Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) is issuing an urgent call for blood donors to help maintain the region’s blood supply during one of the most challenging periods of the year. The summer months, especially around holiday weekends like Labor Day, bring a sharp drop in blood donations as residents celebrate the end of summer and prepare for the upcoming school year.
To encourage donations, all who come to donate from Wednesday, August 27th, through Wednesday, September 3rd will be entered into a sweepstakes for an all-expense-paid vacation for two, provided by Winspire and sponsored by NCBB, plus a $1,500 Flightgift giftcard for airfare. The sweepstakes winner will choose from five unforgettable getaways:
“Labor Day and back-to-school season always bring unique challenges for our blood supply,” said Cheryl Warholoski, Executive Director at Nebraska Community Blood Bank. “This campaign is our way of turning that around by inviting both first-time and returning blood donors to roll up their sleeves, save lives, and have the chance to go on a memorable getaway!”
NCBB recently declared an emergency blood shortage in Nebraska and Western Iowa. 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, and NCBB is calling on community members to step up now and ensure blood is available for those who need it.
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/trip or call 402.486.9414.
