West Nebraska Blood Center Continues to Serve the Panhandle’s Patients

Last year, Regional West saw 75 traumas that requested pre-hospital blood transfusions. West Nebraska Blood Center plays a vital role in collecting blood donations to help patients receive the lifesaving care they need, both before and after they get to the hospital.

West Nebraska Blood Center, located in Regional West Medical Center, draws around 3,000 units of blood each year. The Blood Center also draws platelets, which help patients fighting cancer or autoimmune diseases. According to Blood Center Phlebotomy Lead Marissa Nunnes, CPT, most donations they see are walk-ins.

“We do offer appointment times, but people know that we’re flexible and they can come whenever they can fit time into their day. We like to accommodate that,” she said.

Nunnes and her team collect donations both onsite and through mobile blood drives, traveling over 100 miles across the panhandle to gather blood. They return to West Nebraska Blood Center to separate the blood into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Because blood has a short shelf life, it’s important to have donations readily available.

“People can donate every 56 days, but blood expires at 42 days. That’s why we need people to come in as often as they can and bring their friends,” said Nunnes. 

All blood donated with West Nebraska Blood Center stays local, helping surgical, obstetrical, and trauma patients at Regional West and critical access hospitals in the panhandle. Some blood, such as type O blood, is kept whole for Regional West’s whole blood program, which was the first created in the state. Whole blood includes red blood cells, plasma, and platelets and has been shown to make a lifesaving difference, particularly in traumas that require pre-hospital blood transfusions.

“Our ambulances carry the community’s generosity. When you donate blood, you are virtually riding along on every call, and while you remain unseen, your presence is what saves a life,” said Regional West EMS Clinical Coordinator Robby Rhembrandt, NRP, FP-C, CCP-C, C-NPT.

Nunnes feels fortunate to work with a great community of donors who eagerly, and repeatedly, answer the call to give. She looks forward to seeing familiar faces both in and out of the Blood Center.

“Our donors feel like family. When we need their help, we know that they will be there and we can laugh, joke, or just talk. We have regular donors at our mobile blood drives too, and it feels like I get to visit a friend who I haven’t seen in a few months when we travel. We have great relationships, and we can truly rely on them,” she said. 

Donating blood with West Nebraska Blood Center is a simple and safe process. Donors must be in good health, be 17 years of age or older, and weigh more than 115 pounds. Both walk-ins and appointments are welcome. To schedule an appointment to donate, call 308-630-2477 or text 308-637-2337.