SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – West Nebraska Blood Center issued a special request Tuesday for donations of Type O-negative blood. Type O-negative blood (red cells) can be transfused to patients of all blood types. It is always in great demand and often in short supply.

“The Donor Center continues to be critically low on O negative units. O negative units are extremely important in trauma situations.” said Lori Lake, MT(ASCP) SBB, Blood Bank, Core Lab Supervisor. “We issued a request to our regular blood donors and Regional West Health Services employees, and we are now asking area residents to considering donating blood as well.”

If you or someone you know has O-negative blood, please consider donating blood as soon as possible. Donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old and meet other basic eligibility requirements. It is helpful to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating blood.

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). 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, please 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.

Regional West Health Services is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.