SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – West Nebraska Blood Center invites high school students to join their parents and neighbors in giving the gift of life during the 29th Annual Box Butte County Health Fair, Saturday, March 22, at Alliance High School.

A change in regulations now allows teens, age 16 and older who have written parental permission, to become blood donors.

“I’m excited that we are now able to say ‘yes’ to the many young people who want to donate blood,” said Lori Lake, MT(ASCP) SBB, Blood Bank, Core Lab Supervisor. “Blood donation is a meaningful way to personally help people in need, and it’s a great way for young adults to provide a service to the community.”

Alliance High School students and area residents will have an easy opportunity to donate blood on Saturday, March 22. West Nebraska Blood Center will conduct a mobile blood drive during the Box Butte County Health Fair at the Alliance High School library from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

West Nebraska Blood Center is the sole supplier for blood products to Nebraska panhandle hospitals including Alliance, Bridgeport, Chadron, Gordon, Oshkosh, Scottsbluff, and Sidney.

“We greatly appreciate how supportive our donors are to us in the panhandle; without their support, we would not have West Nebraska Blood Center,” said Lake

As a “Thank You” for their support, donors receive a free t-shirt, a non-fasting cholesterol result, and an entry into a drawing on the day of the Health Fair for a free Great Lakes roundtrip ticket from Alliance to Denver.

Donors must be healthy, weigh at least 115 pounds, and meet other basic eligibility requirements. It is helpful to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating blood.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood during the Box Butte County Health Fair or for more information, please call the Box Butte General Hospital laboratory at 308-761-3407.

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., 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.