SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― West Nebraska Blood Center encourages those who are healthy to continue donating blood to help keep the region’s blood supply full.

West Nebraska Blood Center moved their operations to 313 West 38th Street in Scottsbluff, just west of Regional West’s main campus, on Tuesday, Jan. 5. 

Blood drawn at the West Nebraska Blood Center stays in the region, with blood supplies going to Regional West Medical Center and other hospitals throughout the Nebraska panhandle. New and returning donors are encouraged to donate blood and check out the new facility. Donors will receive a cookie and juice once their donation is complete.

“In order to save lives, we must have blood on the shelf and ready for transfusion. Blood donation is a free gift that only takes a little bit of your time, but it is a critical resource for patients in need,” said Katie Gasseling, MLS (ASCP), clinical laboratory supervisor.

The blood center moved to its new location to increase accessibility for donors. Walk-ins to donate blood are accepted, but appointments are preferred. West Nebraska Blood Center is open Monday through Wednesday, as well as Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For the current week’s blood drive schedule or to make an appointment, call 308-630-2477.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and the only Level II Trauma Center in Nebraska west of Kearney. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 in-network providers and approximately 2,000 staff members, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.