The winter holidays are a time for giving and Nebraska Medicine and its partner, Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB), could use your gift.
There is always a need for people to donate blood, but the need is even greater around the holidays for people to donate platelets.
Aleh Bobr, M.D., medical director of Blood Bank and Tissue Services and assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Pathology and Microbiology, said they anticipate a need for platelets between Monday, Dec. 23, through Saturday, Jan. 4, but especially on Saturday, Dec. 28, Monday, Dec. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Located at 120th and Pacific streets, Nebraska Community Blood Bank is hosting a platelet donation drive Dec. 24 through Jan. 4.
“Just three donors a day may provide up to nine platelet packs that would help us to meet our traditional need during this time,” Dr. Bobr said. “Therefore, we want to be proactive and are seeking individuals willing to donate upon request during certain times, many of which will be before holidays.”
Platelets are a blood component that helps blood clot and supports the immune system, and are often needed by cancer patients, infants in the NICU, and burn victims. Donated platelets have a shelf life of just five days, so donors are constantly needed to ensure a stable supply for local hospitals, especially around the holidays when collections drop due to family plans, winter weather and seasonal illnesses.
Just one of the many examples of patients who are thankful for people’s platelet donations is Kailey Lawson and her mother, Heather Lawson.
During Kailey’s tumor removal surgery, she required quite a few units of blood, as well as needing blood and platelets multiple times throughout the duration of her cancer treatment.
“Without donors, we wouldn’t have our little girl with us to celebrate the holidays and her upcoming birthday,” Heather said. “Thank you!”
While the need for blood is constant, the supply is not. NCBB needs more than 1,000 donors to step up each week to meet the needs of patients in local hospitals. In fact, nearly 100% of the blood donated with NCBB is transfused to patients in Nebraska.
“We realize donating on a Saturday and during the holidays is a greater ask than during the regular week, but your gift is very appreciated by the patients and staff,” Dr. Bobr said.
Nebraska Medicine is a partner with NCBB. Those interested in donating blood and/or platelets can check out the donor center’s hours and make an appointment by clicking here, or calling 1-877-486-9414.