LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The Nebraska Community Blood Bank is urgently calling for anyone with O+ and O- blood to donate.

They say the shortage is affecting local hospitals and the current inventory of type O blood is the lowest it’s been since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There’s also been a recent surge in blood usage. In the past several days, seven massive transfusion protocols have occurred across the region.

The blood bank says MTPs involve administering 10 or more units of blood to a patient within 24 hours but can often require 50 or more lifesaving blood products per patient.

In a press release the blood bank said, “type O+ is the most common blood type, representing nearly 40% of the U.S. population. Type O- is the universal blood type and is commonly used in emergency settings. A shortage of both types, both locally and nationally, poses serious concerns for our healthcare system, and the need for donors is critical.”

The NCBB is calling on all individuals with Type O blood to make an immediate donation.

“We are appealing to our community to step up and donate blood, especially those who are type O. Following the recent surge in blood usage, our local inventory is critically low, and we need immediate support to ensure that every patient receives the lifesaving care they need,” said Cheryl Warholoski, Executive Director at Nebraska Community Blood Bank.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. Eligible individuals are encouraged to donate at least once per season to help maintain a stable blood supply. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit ncbb.org or call 402.486.9414.