NCBB is giving thanks to blood donors with festive t-shirts throughout a critical time of need for blood donations
NEBRASKA— Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) is calling on community members to donate blood ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, a period when donations traditionally drop and hospital demand remains high. All who come to donate at any NCBB donor center or blood drive between Sunday, November 23rd, and Sunday, November 30th will receive a festive long-sleeved t-shirt as a thank-you for helping patients in need.
The holiday season is historically challenging for the blood supply, as school breaks, travel, and seasonal illness often keep regular donors from giving. Last year, NCBB saw nearly a 40% drop in blood donations during the week of Thanksgiving alone.
Although the local blood supply is starting to stabilize, it hasn’t fully recovered after an unexpectedly slow fall, which is typically one of the strongest periods for donations. With Thanksgiving approaching and another anticipated holiday-week decline, NCBB is urging donors to give both before and after the holiday to help rebuild inventory. The region currently has about a 4-day supply of blood, below the ideal 7-day level. Type O, the universal blood type relied on in emergencies, has only a 3-day supply. Donors of all blood types are needed to ensure hospitals are well-prepared for the coming winter months.
“November is typically when we look to build our inventory before the holiday season ramps up,” said Cheryl Warholoski, Executive Director, Blood Operations at Nebraska Community Blood Bank. “We’re encouraging everyone, especially first-time donors, to make blood donation part of their Thanksgiving tradition. It’s a simple, powerful way to give back, and we’re even sending donors home with a festive NCBB t-shirt as a small thank-you.”
Those unable to donate blood, as well as current blood donors who want to do even more, can support NCBB’s End of Year Campaign, which raises critical funds to strengthen and ensure a safe and reliable blood supply. Every contribution supports lifesaving research, donor center upgrades, mobile blood drives, and education programs that inspire the next generation of blood donors. Learn more.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines or to make an appointment, visit ncbb.org or call 402.486.9414.
