Beginning August 1, all who come to donate will receive a voucher to redeem for a free or discounted beverage at a participating local business
NEBRASKA – Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) is kicking off its fifth annual “Blood for a Brew” campaign to encourage blood donations during the critical summer months. Expanded this year to include local coffee shops in addition to breweries, the campaign offers everyone who comes to donate at an NCBB donor center or mobile blood drive from August 1 through August 31 a voucher redeemable for a free or discounted beer or coffee at a participating establishment.
Several local breweries, pubs, and coffee shops across Nebraska have joined this year’s campaign in support of patients who rely on lifesaving blood transfusions every day. A list of participating establishments can be found here.
“August is traditionally one of the most challenging times of year for the blood supply, and this summer has been especially difficult as extreme weather has disrupted blood donations across our region,” said Cheryl Warholoski, Executive Director of Operations at Nebraska Community Blood Bank. “We’re incredibly grateful to the local breweries, pubs, and coffee shops partnering with us to spread the word. It’s a fun way to thank our donors while supporting the small businesses that make our communities so special.”
NCBB recently declared its second blood emergency of the summer after the regional blood supply fell to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage extends well beyond Nebraska, with blood centers across the country now navigating a national blood crisis. NCBB is asking all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Every donation is essential to ensuring hospitals have the blood they need to treat patients. Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can give up to 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 16+ 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 biopharmaceutical 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.
