Nebraska Community Blood Bank asking for donations amid critical low point

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Many blood banks in the state say they’re in critical need of donors.

The Nebraska Community Blood Bank said it currently only has a three-day supply of blood saved up.

The ideal level is at least a seven-day supply.

Kari Lundeen, the bank’s marketing manager, said there’s a particular need for O negative, O positive and B negative.

She said there’s no national surplus right now, which means if local banks run out, there isn’t much extra blood to go around.

Lundeen said cold and flu season, as well was the winter weather, have hurt donations.

But after Gov. Jim Pillen proclaimed January to be Blood Donor Month in Nebraska, she’s hoping more people will be interested.

“Dedicating January to National Blood Donor Month will increase awareness and the importance of donating blood, but also thanking the volunteer blood donors who are already doing that,” Lundeen said.

One donor, Jim Cummings, is a chaplain at a hospital and comes in to donate regularly.

He said with all the different ways people can give back to the community, this is one way you’ll know you’re doing some good.

“I have conversations with people, I look them in the eye, people who are alive because they’ve received a blood transfusion,” Cummings said. “When you give blood, you know you’ve helped somebody. And that’s a good feeling.”

He said for those who are uncomfortable or nervous about giving blood, it gets easier every time.

Lundeen said committing to donate four times a year will help keep supply up.

She also said asking your friends and family if they’ve donated can encourage them to give it a try.