Blood donations at dangerously low levels in Nebraska, nationwide

Published

5 months ago

January 18, 2024

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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Van crashes into pickup, then two power poles in central Nebraska

Published

4 hours ago

June 18, 2024

Press Room

Van crashes into pickup, then two power poles in central Nebraska

Crash in Chapman

Courtesy Merrick County Sheriff’s Office
Crash in Chapman

Courtesy Merrick County Sheriff’s Office

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A two-vehicle crash near Grand Island on Sunday caused damage to both cars and two power lines.

A Merrick County deputy was dispatched to Highway 30 and Bader Park Road in Chapman, which is 12 miles northeast of Grand Island.

An investigation indicated that a van was traveling north on Bader Park Road, according to the Merrick County Sheriff’s Office.

But due to mechanical failure, the van crashed into the rear of a pickup that was stopped at a stop sign.

The crash caused the van to go off the road and into a ditch, colliding with and damaging a power pole.

The van continued to move across Highway 30 and came to a rest after hitting a second power pole.

The sheriff’s office said everyone was wearing seat belts.

There were no injuries reported.

Categories: Nebraska News, News

Tags: Bader Park Road, chapman, crash, deputy, ditch, Grand Island, highway 30, mechanical failure, Merrick County, Merrick County Crash, Merrick County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska, pickup, power pole, van

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Nebraska

Nebraska authorities say a missing 11-year-old has been found safe

Published

12 hours ago

June 17, 2024

Press Room

Nebraska authorities say a missing 11-year-old has been found safe

UPDATE

CROFTON, Neb. (KTIV) – Authorities say as of Monday afternoon Holden has been found safe and is back with his parents.

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CROFTON, Neb. (KTIV) – Authorities in Northeast Nebraska are searching for an 11-year-old who went missing earlier Monday morning.

According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, 11-year-old Holden Ouding of Crofton, Nebraska was last seen at about 11:10 a.m. on June 17.

The sheriff’s office says they don’t believe Holden has been abducted, he is just missing from home.

Holden is described as a 4′1″ boy with brown hair and glasses. He was last seen wearing a lime green shirt, pants and sandals.

If anyone sees Holden, please call Knox County 911 and report his location.

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Nebraska

Malcolm Simpson commits to Nebraska

Published

19 hours ago

June 17, 2024

Press Room

Four-star defensive lineman Malcolm Simpson has committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Galveston, Texas standout announced his commitment to Matt Rhule’s program on Sunday evening following an official visit to Lincoln.

Two of four major recruiting services rank Simpson as a four-star prospect. In addition to his scholarship offer from Nebraska, Simpson also received offers from Baylor, Houston, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, SMU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and USC.

In 17 games over the last two seasons, he recorded 62 tackles and 16 tackles for loss. He also added seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass deflection.

Simpson is commitment No. 11 in the Huskers 2025 recruiting class, and it is their third this month, joining three-star athlete Pierce Mooberry and four-star running back Jamarion Parker.

BREAKING: Four-Star DL Malcolm Simpson has Committed to Nebraska, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’4 266 DL from Galveston, TX chose the Cornhuskers over Baylor, Texas A&M, & Kansas
“I have always been a big family guy. Family have each others back through it all.. NEBRASKA… pic.twitter.com/m1qbMddtEr
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 17, 2024