Nebraska Community Blood Bank hosts drive to highlight congenital heart disease

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Community Blood Bank is teaming up with Heart Heroes during Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.

The nonprofit launched a blood drive Wednesday to help those with congenital heart disease, the No. 1 birth defect in the U.S., according to officials.

Children born with the condition may require open-heart surgery, which requires multiple blood transfusions, the nonprofit said.

To help those children, people can donate blood at any Nebraska Community Blood Bank location.  The blood drive runs until Feb. 14.

For more information on blood donation guidelines, visit the nonprofit’s website.