Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. From cancer patients and trauma victims to mothers experiencing complications during childbirth, donated blood saves lives every day. However, many hospitals face ongoing shortages.
On Oct. 30, community members are invited to help meet that need during We Give Blood Day in Omaha, part of the Big Ten’s annual We Give Blood campaign sponsored by Abbott.
Mayor John Ewing will proclaim Oct. 30 as We Give Blood Day in Omaha, encouraging eligible residents to donate blood and help Nebraska compete for the We Give Blood title. Ewing will sign/make his proclamation during a short program at 10 a.m. on Oct. 30 at the UNMC Wigton Heritage Center. Also expected to participate are UNMC Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD; Cheryl Warholoski, executive director of operations for the Nebraska Community Blood Bank; and Josh Murray, regional communications director of the American Red Cross.
“Every blood donation has the potential to save lives. By proclaiming We Give Blood Day, we are inviting Omaha residents to turn our community’s generosity into action,” Mayor Ewing said. “Every donation matters, and together we can make a meaningful difference for patients who depend on a reliable blood supply.”
Omaha-area residents can donate blood on Oct. 30 at the following blood drives:
- Burke High School, 12220 Burke Blvd., 7:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. (American Red Cross)
- Terracon, 15080 A Circle, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (American Red Cross)
- Ralston High School, 8969 Park Drive, Ralston, 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (American Red Cross)
- Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Nebraska Community Blood Bank)
- UNO’s Criss Library, 6401 University Drive Road, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Nebraska Community Blood Bank)
They also may donate blood Oct. 30 at the following American Red Cross or Nebraska Community Blood Bank donation locations in Omaha:
- Nebraska Community Blood Bank, 12100 Pacific St., 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Nebraska Community Blood Bank, 13110 Birch Drive #134, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- The Dewey American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 3838 Dewey Ave., 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- The West Omaha American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 729 N. 132nd St., 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The We Give Blood campaign brings together all 18 Big Ten universities in a friendly competition to inspire blood donations nationwide. Every donation made between Aug. 12 and Dec. 4 can help Nebraska earn points toward the competition.
“Donating is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give, helping save lives and supporting people as they recover,” Dr. Davies said. “Generosity runs deep in Omaha and across Nebraska, and donating blood is one more way we can care for the people around us. It is a small act that can have an extraordinary impact.”
Participants can donate blood at any participating blood center or blood drive in the United States, then register their donation by texting GIVEBLOOD to 222688 (ABBOTT) or by visiting BigTen.org/Abbott.
In 2024, the University of Nebraska won the inaugural We Give Blood competition, earning a $1 million grant from Abbott to support student and community health initiatives. Nebraska is once again encouraging students, alumni, fans and communities across the state to help build a stronger blood supply while competing for another grant.
“Nebraskans have always answered the call when our neighbors need us,” said University of Nebraska System President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD. “By rolling up a sleeve on We Give Blood Day, each of us can help strengthen our state’s blood supply, save lives and show what Nebraska can accomplish when we come together.”
The need for blood donors remains critical.
- Every two seconds, someone needs blood.
- Pediatric patients require an average of 1,800 units of blood every day.
- Approximately 25% of the nation’s blood supply is used by patients receiving cancer treatment.
- About 1 in 83 mothers require a blood transfusion following childbirth.
As the current donor population ages — with approximately 2.5 million blood donors over age 65 — recruiting new donors has become increasingly important. Last year’s We Give Blood campaign helped save as many as 250,000 lives, and nearly one-third of participating students donated blood for the first time. Of those first-time donors, 96% said they planned to donate again, helping build the next generation of lifesaving blood donors.
Blood providers across Nebraska are emphasizing the continued need for donors. The American Red Cross and Nebraska Community Blood Bank offer donation opportunities throughout the state, and donations made through either organization may be logged for Nebraska in the We Give Blood competition.
“The need for blood never takes a day off,” said Lisa Kuska, regional donor services executive for the Red Cross of Nebraska and Iowa. “We Give Blood Day reminds us that a single act of generosity can have a lasting impact.”
“Whether someone is donating for the first time or returning as a regular donor, each donation helps ensure blood is available when patients need it,” said Cheryl Warholoski, executive director of operations at the Nebraska Community Blood Bank.
For more information about donation eligibility, locations or the We Give Blood campaign, visit https://bigten.org/abbott/.