Amid vacations and seasonal outings, blood donations historically drop in the summer months. To help combat this shortage, West Nebraska Blood Center encourages people to donate blood and help keep a ready supply for patients in need.
According to America’s Blood Centers, blood donations typically decrease by about 20% when schools close for the summer. However, it’s also the time of year when demand hits its peak due to increased outdoor activities and, as a result, higher risk of accidents and traumas.
Regional West Laboratory, Transfusion, and Donor Center Supervisor Julie Dahlinger, MLS (ASCP), said donations during the summer months are critical.
“Since Regional West is the state’s only Level II Trauma Center west of Kearney, many of the region’s trauma patients come to us when they require lifesaving care. All blood donated at West Nebraska Blood Center stays local, so when you donate with us, you’re helping your friends, family, and neighbors when they need it most.”
In 2024, Regional West Medical Center’s trauma team began carrying type O whole blood on both air and ground ambulances for trauma patients. Whole blood has been shown to potentially decrease both morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. Since then, the program has expanded to offer whole blood to other blood loss patients, including surgical and obstetrical patients.
To donate whole blood, donors must be 17 years of age or older, have type O+ blood and low titers, or concentrations of antibodies in the blood, weigh more than 115 lbs., and be aspirin-free for 48 hours before donation. Additionally, women must be Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) negative. West Nebraska Blood Center tests donors for both titers and HLA.
Dahlinger also encourages local businesses to consider partnering with West Nebraska Blood Center to host a mobile blood drive.
“Mobile blood drives are rewarding service projects that help people receive the lifesaving gift of blood,” she said. “If you’d like to give back to your community in a truly meaningful way, our team at West Nebraska Blood Center will coordinate a date and time that works well for your business and help you plan a successful drive.”
West Nebraska Blood Center is located in Regional West Medical Center near the main laboratory and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are preferred. To schedule a time to donate or host a mobile blood drive, call West Nebraska Blood Center at 308-630-2477 or text 308-637-2337.