NEBRASKA — Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) today announced an unprecedented second blood emergency this summer as the region’s blood supply falls below a 2-day inventory, well below the level needed to meet routine and emergency patient needs.
Just weeks after declaring a blood emergency around Memorial Day, NCBB is once again urgently calling on the public to donate blood. This unprecedented second blood emergency is due to a combination of factors, including statewide damaging storms, high temperatures, and peak summer trauma season, all of which have significantly reduced donor turnout, as well as nationwide blood shortages.
Summer is traditionally one of the most difficult times of year to maintain the blood supply. School breaks, vacations, holiday travel, and changing routines reduce donations while hospitals continue treating trauma patients, cancer patients, surgical patients, and others who rely on blood every day. During the summer trauma season, serious injuries from motor vehicle crashes, outdoor recreation, and other emergencies can further increase the demand for blood transfusions.
“Our job is to make sure hospitals have the blood they need before patients arrive – not after,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Chief Operating Officer, Nebraska Community Blood Bank. “With inventory now below a 2-day supply, there’s very little flexibility to respond to unexpected emergencies. We’re asking everyone who’s eligible to donate now so blood is available for the next trauma patient, the next surgery, and every patient whose care depends on a lifesaving transfusion.”
A healthy blood supply typically ranges from five to seven days. With inventory now below two days, hospitals have far less flexibility to respond to both routine patient needs and unexpected emergencies. Trauma patients alone may require dozens of units of blood within minutes, making every blood donation critical.
Nebraska Community Blood Bank is asking all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors up to twice each month. Recent FDA eligibility updates also mean more people than ever may now be eligible to donate.
To view current eligibility guidelines or to make an appointment, visit ncbb.org or call 402.486.9414.
