Nebraska Community Blood Bank calls for donors to support hospitals in hurricane-impacted areas

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Nebraska Community Blood Bank has issued an urgent call for blood donors to support hospitals impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as to meet ongoing needs in the local region.

Helene and Milton have resulted in at least 200 deaths combined, and the number continues to rise.

Blood collections across the United States are reportedly facing significant disruption due to the ongoing weather emergencies impacting the Southeast. Severe weather has forced the closure of numerous blood centers, canceled scheduled blood drives, and restricted donor access in affected areas.

NCBB believes these disruptions are expected to persist throughout the coming weeks and months, exacerbating the nation’s existing blood supply challenges.

Currently, NCBB is providing blood products to help support the national blood supply and is ready to provide additional aid as needed in the coming days and weeks.

To help meet the heightened need, NCBB is calling on local residents to donate and help ensure a stable supply for patients in need during this critical time.

“We’re calling on all eligible Nebraskans to help ensure a stable blood supply to support hospitals that rely on us, both locally and nationally, so our neighbors in the Southeast can focus on recovering from these storms without the burden of blood shortages. There’s no substitute for blood, and the need is critical, now more than ever,” Cheryl Warholoski, Executive Director at Nebraska Community Blood Bank, said.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit ncbb.org or call 402-486-9414.

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