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Regional donor manager warns of emergency blood shortage affecting Nebraska hospitals
Summary
Nicole Johnk, district manager for donor recruitment for West and Central Nebraska, told the Broken Bow City Council that Nebraska donations are down 9% while hospital distributions are up 3% year-over-year; she urged residents to donate to help a six-year low in post-summer blood supplies.
Nicole Johnk, district manager for donor recruitment for West and Central Nebraska, told the Broken Bow City Council on Nov. 23 that the region is facing an emergency blood shortage.
"Blood donations in Nebraska are down 9% and blood distributions to hospitals are up 3% from last year," Johnk said, adding that the organization serves 65 hospitals in Nebraska and that the national blood supply has fallen to its lowest post-summer level in six years.
The remarks, made during the council meeting at the Broken Bow Municipal Auditorium, were followed by thanks from Mayor Rod Sonnichsen and Councilmember David Schmidt, both of whom encouraged residents to donate if they are able.
Why it matters: Hospitals rely on steady donations to maintain surgical schedules, trauma care and treatments for patients requiring transfusions. Johnk's presentation indicates both a shortfall in donors and a rise in hospital demand compared with the prior year, a combination that medical suppliers say can quickly strain local inventories.
Johnk provided the council with statewide percentages showing the decline in donations and the rise in distributions. She urged community members to schedule appointments or attend local drives; council members voiced support and public encouragement.
The council did not take action related to the presentation. Residents interested in donating should contact their regional donor center for locations and appointments.
