LINCOLN, NE – On Wednesday, January 7,Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) was joined by Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, hospital leaders, blood recipients, and community partners for a press conference at NCBB’s Lincoln Donor Center in recognition of National Blood Donor Month and the ongoing need for blood donations across the region.
January, which was proclaimed National Blood Donor Month by President Richard Nixon in 1970, is historically one of the most challenging months for the blood supply. Holiday travel, school breaks, winter weather, and seasonal illness often prevent donors from keeping appointments, even as patient needs remain constant. After the recent holidays, the current blood supply is at less than a 4-day level. This annual observance serves as an important reminder of the lifesaving impact of routine blood donation nationwide.
Press conference speakers highlighted the importance of blood donation, shared firsthand perspectives from first responders and patients, and encouraged the community to make blood donation a priority in the new year.
Notable speakers and attendees included Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., Blood Recipients Haylee and Kayla Werth, and Nebraska Community Blood Bank Executive Director Cheryl Warholoski.
“National Blood Donor Month is a powerful reminder that the need for blood doesn’t take a holiday,” said Cheryl Warholoski, Executive Director of Blood Operations at Nebraska Community Blood Bank. “Each January, donations decline while patient needs remain steady, and that gap can put lives at risk. We’re incredibly grateful to our community leaders for standing with us today and encouraging folks to make blood donation part of their new year, because one donation can make all the difference for a patient in need.”
