The Nebraska Community Blood Bank is asking for donations amid shortages due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The NCBB says the need for blood is constant and as the number of donors decreases during the summer they're also battling shortages due to canceled blood drives.
They say more than 50% of the blood supply was lost when community blood drives were cancelled due to COVID-19 this year, and the supply remains low, with a less than a 3-day supply of all blood types. The NCBB says blood drives are slowly resuming, with additional precautions at all donation sites, but demand remains high.
Donation appointments can be made online at NCBB.ORG or by calling 1-877-486-9414.
NCBB has a COVID-19 self-screening policy in addition to general eligibility guidelines. To donate you must be:
- · In good health
- · 17 years or older— or 16 with written parental consent (PDF available on NCBB.ORG)
- · At least 110 pounds
- · Free of antibiotics for 24 hours, unless taken for preventative reasons
- · Symptom-free for at least 72 hours following a cold or flu