SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., –Santa Claus visited West Nebraska Blood Center Tuesday to donate blood in hopes of encouraging others to do the same this holiday season. Santa has donated more than five gallons of blood in the past 20 years or so.

Santa’s blood type is O-, the universal blood type, so it can be given to all who need it.

“This is a special gift that is often very much in demand during the holiday season. I encourage everyone who is able to donate blood to make an appointment to do so,” said Santa.

According to the staff at West Nebraska Blood Center, usage has been up considerably in recent months due to a large number of patients who have needed blood and blood products due to surgery and trauma. While there is no decrease of regional donors, it is estimated that only about five percent of eligible donors give blood. Blood drawn at the blood center is used locally and regionally.

Donating blood is a simple, safe, and easy process. Donors must be healthy, between the ages of 17 and 85 and meet a few basic health requirements. A healthy donor can give blood every 56 days. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 308-630-2477.

West Nebraska Blood Center, a hospital-based donor center licensed by the FDA, draws approximately 3,000 units of blood per year and has just over 1,000 active local volunteer donors.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides 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, Regional West offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.