Air Link to Host Blood Drive at Education Conference

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Air Link invites the public to give the gift of blood at its annual Education Conference on Saturday, Oct. 17.

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., donors can stop by Regional West’s Education Center and donate with West Nebraska Blood Center. All blood types are needed, with type O+ blood used in Regional West’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) innovative whole blood program.

Regional West Emergency Department and Air Link Medical Director Troy Dean, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, emphasized that all donated blood stays local, helping patients in the panhandle.

"The blood donated with West Nebraska Blood Center helps patients here at Regional West and at critical access hospitals throughout the area. Type O+ blood can be used in our whole blood program, which helps trauma patients at the scene. Donors only spend a few minutes in the donation chair, but their generosity saves lives,” he said.

Donors must provide a photo ID and be in good health; be at least age 16 with parental consent, or 17 years of age and older; and weigh more than 115 pounds. Walk-ins are welcome, or reserve a donation slot ahead of time by calling the West Nebraska Blood Center during business hours at 308-630-2477, or text at 308-637-2337. For more information, call Tracy Meyer, Air Link chief flight nurse, at 308-631-5187.

About Regional West
Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, the only advanced trauma hospital in Nebraska west of North Platte. Since 1924, Regional West has served the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming through innovative healthcare services. As the region’s sole tertiary medical center, Regional West offers an expansive array of medical specialties and numerous physician clinics.