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NCBB DECLARES BLOOD EMERGENCY. URGENT NEED FOR DONORS - CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT.
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  • NEBRASKA COMMUNITY BLOOD BANK DECLARES BLOOD EMERGENCY AS DONATIONS DROP SHARPLY STATEWIDE  

Nearly 30% post-holiday decline leaves less than a two-day blood supply for hospitals across Nebraska

  

NEBRASKA — Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) has declared a blood emergency following a sharp decline in blood donations across the state. End-of-year holidays, seasonal illness, and severe winter weather in December disrupted collections and created a deficit the community is still working to overcome.  

Poster reading Blood Emergency - Donors Needed.

In recent weeks, blood donations have dropped nearly 30% below what is needed to meet hospital demand, resulting in less than a two-day supply of blood for more than 25 hospitals across the state. The emergency appeal follows an exceptionally challenging end to the year, caused by:  

  • Major holiday disruptions, with Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on historically high collection days, resulting in hundreds fewer donations than needed over a two-week period.  
  • Widespread seasonal illness, with Nebraska health officials reporting that flu and other seasonal illnesses have spiked in recent weeks, severely limiting donor turnout.  
  • Winter weather in December, which led to canceled blood drives and disrupted collections, creating a deficit the blood supply has yet to recover from.  

“Blood donation is highly sensitive to disruptions, and when winter challenges reduce donations, the impact is immediate and lasting,” said Cheryl Warholoski, Executive Director of Nebraska Community Blood Bank. “We are starting the new year with a critically low blood supply and need donors to act now. Blood is essential every day for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic conditions, and there is no substitute when donations fall short.”  

January marks National Blood Donor Month, a time traditionally dedicated to raising awareness about seasonal blood shortages. This year, the observance in Nebraska comes during an active blood emergency, when immediate donations are critical to prevent further strain on hospitals and ensure patients continue to receive lifesaving care. Because blood has a limited shelf life, delays in donation can quickly escalate into serious supply challenges.  

To help prevent blood shortages in 2026, NCBB encourages donors to become All Seasons Lifesavers by making blood donation a routine part of their lives and giving at least once each season in 2026. NCBB also offers additional donor frequency programs based on donation type, recognizing those who give consistently throughout the year. Learn more here.    

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.   

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About Nebraska Community Blood Bank   

Founded in 1968, Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) has served Nebraska and western Iowa for more than 50 years, delivering more than 60,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 25+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NCBB is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biomedical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NCBB serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit ncbb.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.