Blood donations at dangerously low levels in Nebraska, nationwide

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Blood donations are at devastatingly low levels, leading some blood banks to declare emergency shortages.

It’s an issue in Nebraska and nationwide.

“We have not declared a blood emergency however we do have critical levels less than a 3-day supply of our overall blood supply,” said Kari Lundeen with the Nebraska Community Blood Bank.

Lundeen told 6 News they’ve seen an increase in blood shortages in the last couple of years. They need a 7-day supply to be fully stocked.

“We’ve seen a decline in donors really since 2016,” Lundeen said. “The pandemic of course did not help that decline in donors, mostly in our first-time donors and youth donors.”

The pandemic also stopped informational events, which were a primary way to encourage people to donate. Over the years, the FDA has also added new thresholds for blood donors.

“It’s really just educating people on the need for blood,” Lundeen said.

Scott Dobberpuhl gave blood Thursday. He’s donated at the Nebraska Community Blood Center eight times.

“It’s something I started in high school since the red cross would come or another blood bank would come,” Dobberpuhl said.

And, he won’t be stopping any time soon.

“It just goes to a good cause, and everybody needs to be out there donating,” Dobberpuhl said.

This year, the blood bank’s goal is to reach out to more people through their blood drive center, whether they’re giving for the first time or do it regularly like Dobberpuhl.

“Whatever your blood type is we want you to come out and donate as soon as it comes in it goes right out to our hospitals,” Lundeen said.

Other blood banks like the Red Cross have declared an emergency blood shortage. They’re experiencing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years.

Those interested in giving blood can make an appointment by clicking here or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

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