Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) has declared a blood emergency as supplies drop to less than a two-day supply overall and under one day for type O blood, the most critical type used in emergency care. The shortage comes at the start of summer’s “trauma season,” when hospitals typically see a rise in serious injuries, including car crashes and other emergencies requiring large volumes of blood.

“Summer is one of the most challenging times to maintain the blood supply,” said Cheryl Warholoski, Executive Director of Operations at Nebraska Community Blood Bank. “We’re seeing donations decline just as hospital demand rises. When supplies fall this low, it becomes increasingly difficult to ensure blood is available for patients who need it most.”

A blood emergency means the available supply has dropped below safe levels to meet routine and urgent patient needs. Unlike other medical supplies, blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life, meaning hospitals rely on a steady stream of donors to meet daily demand. For trauma centers, where patients may require large volumes of blood within minutes, maintaining an adequate supply is critical.

For more than 30 years, Bryan Trauma has been the designated Trauma Center for all of southeast Nebraska and was the first Trauma Center in Nebraska. Last year, Bryan patients needed over 300 units of blood, which is critical in the first hours of care where every second matters.

“Trauma can happen to anyone, at any time,” said Crystal Hraban, Trauma Program Manager, Bryan Medical Center. “Having blood available is one of the most important ways we save lives. Each donation helps ensure that we are ready for every patient who comes through our doors.”

Stories like Dale Johnson’s underscore how quickly blood is needed in traumatic emergencies.

After a devastating motorcycle accident left him critically injured, Dale was rushed to the hospital, where he received 23 units of blood to survive. He suffered severe trauma that ultimately led to the loss of his leg and spent months recovering. Today, Dale is a lifelong blood donor himself, who shares his story to raise awareness about the lifesaving impact of blood donation and the vital role blood donors play in helping patients survive traumatic injuries.

“Donated blood saved my life. In an emergency, there’s no substitute. It’s there because someone chose to give,” said Dale. “That’s why I donate today and encourage others to make it part of their routine. You never know when someone’s life will depend on it.”

Nebraska Community Blood Bank is asking all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to schedule an immediate appointment to donate. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can give up to twice per month. To view current eligibility guidelines or to make an appointment, visit ncbb.org or call 402.486.9414. 

The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Wednesday, June 17, at 2 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program will be on Advance Directives by Amanda Lewis, JCH&L Gardenside Social Services Coordinator.

 For easiest access, park in the H Street parking and enter through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the signage to the Clinic Conference Room.

The Parkinson’s Support Group is an opportunity for area residents to share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease. Those who have Parkinson’s Disease, caregivers of those with Parkinson’s Disease, and those who have family and friends with Parkinson’s Disease and want to learn and share are welcome.

There is no cost or obligation. For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at (402)-729-6855.

Jefferson Community Health & Life has been named by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 100 noteworthy hospitals in its annual “Critical Access Hospitals to Know” list.

JCH&L CEO Holly Wolff said she is pleased to have JCH&L be named as a “Critical Access Hospital to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review.
“It is gratifying to receive recognition for the quality and compassionate care our staff provide every day and for the important service we provide to our community,” said Holly Wolff, JCH&L CEO.

Three other Nebraska Critical Access Hospitals were recognized: Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital (O’Neill, Neb.); Howard County Medical Center (St. Paul, Neb.); and Pender (Neb.) Community Hospital.

As part of the ranking list, Becker’s Hospital Review states: “Critical access hospitals occupy a singular place in the American healthcare system. With a maximum of 25 inpatient beds and a mandate to provide around-the-clock emergency care, these institutions do far more with far less than almost any other type of healthcare organization. The hospitals featured on this list are actively expanding access to specialty care, reducing the burden of patient travel, and driving meaningful improvements in the health of their communities.”

The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations and curated the list to highlight the great work of critical access hospitals across the nation.

The full list features individual profiles of all hospitals on the list and can be read at https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/rural-health/rural-lists/100-critical-access-hospitals-to-know-2026/.

Becker’s Healthcare notes the list was developed based on nominations and editorial research. Organizations do not pay and cannot pay for inclusion on this list. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of the organizations mentioned. Organizations are presented in alphabetical order.

JCH&L was also recently recognized as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for 2026 for overall performance by the National Rural Health Association as ranked by Chartis Center for Rural Health. JCH&L has been among the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation as ranked by Chartis Center for Rural Health for 11 of the last 13 years.

JCH&L Gardenside had its state health department survey April 6-8, and was pleased to receive a report showing zero deficiencies. State surveys are unannounced inspections conducted at least every 15 months to ensure facilities comply with all care standards.

“Surveyors were very complimentary while they were on site and indicated they were impressed with the wonderful things Gardenside has going on. They said they could see it was family caring for family,” said Laura DeBoer, RN, director of nursing at Gardenside. “These compliments and a deficiency-free health survey highlights that all of our hard work from each and every staff member does not go unnoticed. The size of our facility does allow us to feel like family and we all truly feel like each resident is our family.”

Gardenside continues to be rated by Nursing Home Compare as a 5 Star facility by Medicare.gov. The overall rating is based on a nursing home’s performance on 3 sources: health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.

Results from the most recent state survey are always available to view. Results can be found In a folder on east side of the wall by the Activity Room.