West Nebraska Blood Center needs O types

The West Nebraska Blood Center is currently in need of both O positive and negative blood types, and as always, the center is accepting donations of all blood types. Although 65 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood and blood products, only seven percent are blood donors.

As the sole supplier for blood products to Nebraska panhandle hospitals, the donor center relies on regular and new donors to help maintain its supply of all blood types. If you have Type O blood, please consider donating blood.

Donors must be healthy and meet other basic eligibility requirements. Teenagers age 16 and above who have written parental consent can also donate.

The donation process usually takes less than one hour. Donors will complete a donor registration form, health history and mini-physical (i.e., temperature, blood pressure, pulse). It is helpful to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating blood. The blood collection takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes, after which you will be given juice and a cookie.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood or for more information, call West Nebraska Blood Center at 308-630-2477. The Donor Center is located next to the Park Bench Café, on the main floor of Regional West Medical Center. It is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.