SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Blood donation is a gift that may save a life.

During National Blood Donor Month in January, the West Nebraska Blood Center is encouraging past donors to come in again and those who haven’t donated in the past to begin giving. Before donating, prospective donors need to have been symptom-free of COVID-19 for the past 10 days.

“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.

Donating blood or platelets is a simple, safe, and easy process. Donors must be in good health, be 16 years of age or older, and weigh more than 115 pounds. A healthy donor can donate blood every 56 days.

Transfusion of blood and blood products helps save millions of lives every year. It can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life and supports complex medical and surgical procedures. It can have an essential, life-saving role during the emergency response to man-made and natural disasters or be critical in maternal and childcare situations.

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 at 313 West 38th Street in Scottsbluff, just west of Regional West’s main campus.

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 p.m. For the current week’s blood drive schedule or to make an appointment, call 308-630-2477. Donors will receive a cookie and juice once their donation is complete.

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.