The Nebraska Community Blood Bank declares a blood emergency now in its second week. Donations have gone down drastically leaving many hospitals short and in immediate need. Critically low levels are considered to be less than a three-day supply for multiple blood types. Typically, they need 1,000 donors per week to keep supplies stable and give area hospitals a supply they can pull from whenever they need it. But with school breaks and holidays, Kari Lundeen with the Nebraska Community Blood Bank said they've been well under that number for several months. "There's not a national surplus to be able to ask for help or have other blood banking communities help us. And so, we know that we need more people to come in and donate right now," Lundeen said. Lundeen said they're running into more challenges when it comes to getting new faces in the door. "And really what has been problematic for us during this time is we've seen such a drop-in first-time donor and in our youth donors, nearly a 50% drop pre-pandemic," she said. All blood types are needed but they are encouraging people with the blood type O-negative to consider donating because of its ability to be used universally. On Saturday, April 20 there's a blood drive at 9 a.m. near 153rd and Pacific. Just head to ncbb.org or click here for more information or to sign up. The blood bank center at 120th & Pacific also accepts walk-ins or appointments. If interested you can also sign up to host a blood drive, visit this link for more details.