Since 1968, the Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) has played a significant role in healthcare in Nebraska. Founded by the Lancaster County Medical Society, NCBB works with over 17,000 volunteer blood donors to provide the many blood products needed daily by medical facilities in six counties.

Beginning with community awareness of the need for blood to the final destination at the hospital, NCBB is there, thanks to strong community support. There are four collection sites in Lincoln along with a blood drive team that conducts over 300 blood drives annually.

In October 1968, the Lancaster County Medical Society created the Community Blood Bank. This was in preparation of the launch of an open heart surgery program in Lincoln. Prior to that time, each hospital was responsible for the collection and testing of the blood that they transfused. Transfusions were a rarity and when blood was needed, a donor, often a medical student at the hospital, would be called to donate, with the blood being given shortly thereafter. Since then, Lincoln’s medical community has experienced phenomenal growth. Today, Lincoln has nationally recognized orthopedic programs, neo-natal centers, a regional burn unit, dialysis programs, and a Level 2 trauma center; not to mention the advancements made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and heart disease. Each program is dependent upon the availability of blood and platelets.

Who are the owners/important executives?
CEO-Phyllis Ericson
COO-Ellen DiSalvo
CFO-Candy Thomazin

NCBB is governed by a 13-member Board made up of physicians and community representatives.

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours?
We are a community resource. Meeting the needs of area hospitals is our first priority.

Excellent customer service: Blood donation and knowing that you are making a life-saving difference is serious business. However, we try to have fun along the way. Promotions such as Pints for Pounds, Battle of the Badges and Fuel for Life are favorites and don’t forget the t-shirts that are given the first time you donate, when you recruit a new donor or when you donate four times in one year.

The appreciation and donor service experience we provide has made NCBB #1 in the nation when it comes to how often people donate.

What do you like about doing business in Lincoln?
Lincoln is a giving community and has supported NCBB for 43 years.

What kind of community organizations/groups are you involved with?
American Heart Association, Nebraska Region Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee, American Society of Training and Development (ASTD), Association of Nonprofit Executives (ANPE), Better Business Bureau, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA), Northview Lincoln Business Association (NLBA), WasteCap Nebraska, Waste Wise EPA, and Workwell Inc.

NCBB’s core values
Commitment to passion for mission, quality, spirit, and the individual, dedication to integrity, respect, and teamwork.

NCBB Mission Statement
The Nebraska Community Blood Bank, founded by the Lancaster County Medical Society, provides quality blood products and other related services to donors, patients, physicians, and hospitals.

Our vision
Excellence in blood services. As the area’s blood provider, our community promise is: to exist to improve health and save lives.

What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years?
Continued advancements in testing and technology. In 1968, two tests were conducted on every donation, today it is twelve.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about your business that most people don’t know?
The need for blood is every day; not just in an emergency. However, NCBB must always be prepared for the unexpected. Blood is living tissue and it has a shelf life; often as little as five days depending on if the donation is platelets or red cells.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
NCBB is a community resource and the continued support of the community has resulted in thousands of lives saved, hundreds of second chances given and an immeasurable number of families touched!

What is the best way to contact the Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB)?
Visit any of our four locations in Lincoln
100 N. 84th St.
131 S. 13th St.
2917 Pine Lake Rd
2700 Fletcher Ave.
Call 877-486-9414
Online at http://www.ncbb.org.