Durban’s Family Inspires Her 30th Lifetime Blood Donation Achievement

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September 5, 2025

lincoln, Nebraska – Lauren Durban, Communications Manager at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Lied Center for performing Arts, has become a dedicated blood donor after initially overcoming a lifelong fear of needles, spurred by encouragement from her children.Her journey exemplifies the power of community involvement and the critical importance of consistent blood donation.

A Childhood Plea Sparks Change

Durban’s conversion began around 2018, when her children participated in a school initiative that rewarded students whose parents donated blood. Initially hesitant, durban’s children’s enthusiasm and a desire to set a positive example motivated her to confront her anxieties. “The night before, I was so nervous I barely slept,” Durban recounted. however, her first donation, accompanied by a close friend, proved to be far less daunting then she anticipated.

“I was so blown away by how I had made it this big scary thing that it absolutely was not,” she saeid. this realization propelled her to become a regular donor, now contributing every eight weeks.

Giving Back and Community Impact

Durban’s commitment extends beyond personal fulfillment. She views blood donation as a tangible way to support her community. “There are so many reasons somebody might need it,” she explained, “and knowing you’re part of making sure the supply is always there is a really good thing.” She acknowledged the unpredictable nature of life, noting that anyone, including loved ones, could require a blood transfusion.

Currently, Nebraska is actively participating in the We Give Blood Challenge, a collaborative campaign by Abbott and the Big Ten Conference. As of September 4th, Nebraska ranks second in the competition with 911 donors, trailing Wisconsin’s 1,306 and leading Ohio State’s 569. The challenge, launched on August 27th, aims to bolster blood supplies and has already saved an estimated 18,969 lives.

Rank	University	Donors (as of Sept. 4, 2025)
1	wisconsin	1,306
2	Nebraska	911
3	Ohio State	569

A Career Rooted in the Arts

Prior to her role at the Lied Center, Durban built a career in broadcast journalism, working as a reporter and anchor at KLKN in Lincoln, followed by several years in morning radio. Though, she described her current position as a natural culmination of her lifelong passion for the performing arts. “The performing arts has always been my first love in life,” Durban stated.

Her arrival at the Lied Center in March 2020 coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting unique challenges in preserving live events. She has had the pleasure of welcoming acclaimed performers like brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, and bernadette Peters, and introducing her children to productions like “The Band’s Visit” and “come From Away.”

Expanding Access to the Arts

Durban champions the Lied Center’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring that university students and the wider lincoln community have opportunities to experience world-class performances. She highlights the importance of removing financial and logistical barriers to arts participation,emphasizing that exposure to the arts should be an integral part of the university experience. Recent outreach programs include master classes and collaborations with local youth groups, such as a joint event with performers from “Frozen” and students preparing to stage “frozen Jr.”

Did You Know? One single blood donation can save up to three lives, according to the American Red Cross.

The We Give Blood drive will continue until December 6th, with the winning university announced at the Big Ten Football Championship Game.

The Ongoing Need for Blood donors

The demand for blood is constant, driven by emergencies, surgeries, chronic illnesses, and ongoing medical treatments. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. Maintaining a sufficient blood supply relies on the generosity of regular donors like Durban.Factors like seasonal illness and increased trauma during peak travel periods can exacerbate shortages.

Pro Tip: To maximize your donation experience, stay hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment and bring a valid form of identification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blood Donation

• What is the typical time commitment for blood donation? Typically, the entire process-from registration to post-donation refreshments-takes about an hour, but the actual donation itself only takes 8-10 minutes.
• Who is eligible to donate blood? Generally, donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.
• Is blood donation safe? Yes, blood donation is a very safe process. All materials used are sterile and disposable.
• How often can I donate blood? You can typically donate whole blood every 56 days.
• What are the benefits of donating blood? Beyond helping save lives, donating blood also allows you to receive a mini-physical and learn about your blood type and iron levels.
• Can I donate blood if I have tattoos? Most states allow individuals to donate blood after a 24-hour waiting period following a tattoo applied by a state-licensed facility.
• What should I do after donating blood? Drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day.

What inspired you to give back to your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What impact did witnessing a family member donate blood have on the donor’s decision to start donating?

A Legacy of Giving: Celebrating a Blood donation Milestone

durban resident,[Donor’sFullName-[Donor’sFullName-replace wiht actual name], recently reached an amazing milestone – her 30th lifetime blood donation. This remarkable achievement isn’t just a testament to her personal commitment to saving lives, but also a beautiful story of family inspiration and the power of collective generosity.The South african National Blood Service (SANBS) recognizes dedicated donors like [Donor’s name] as vital to maintaining a stable blood supply for the nation.

The Ripple Effect: How Family Support fuels Blood Donation

For [Donor’s Name], the journey to 30 donations began with her [Relationship to family member – e.g., mother, father, sibling]’s own history of blood donation. Witnessing their selfless act sparked a desire to contribute and make a difference.

Early Influence: Growing up seeing a family member regularly donate blood normalized the practice and instilled a sense of civic duty.

Shared Values: The family’s strong emphasis on community service and helping others created a supportive surroundings for [Donor’s Name] to pursue blood donation.

Family Donations: Several family members now actively donate, creating a tradition of giving back. This includes[Listfamilymemberswhodonate-[Listfamilymemberswhodonate-replace with actual names].

Motivational Support: Family members often accompany [Donor’s Name] to donation centers, providing encouragement and making the experience more enjoyable.

This familial support system highlights the importance of positive reinforcement and shared values in fostering a culture of blood donation. Encouraging family members to donate together can significantly increase participation rates.

Understanding the Importance of Blood Donation in South Africa

south Africa faces a constant need for blood due to various factors, including:

Trauma Cases: High rates of road accidents and other traumatic injuries require significant blood transfusions.

Medical Procedures: Surgeries, childbirth, and treatments for chronic illnesses like cancer and thalassemia rely heavily on a consistent blood supply.

Chronic Diseases: Patients with conditions like sickle cell anemia require regular blood transfusions throughout their lives.

Blood Type Specificity: Maintaining sufficient stocks of all blood types (A, B, AB, and O, and also Rh-positive and Rh-negative) is crucial to meet diverse patient needs.

The SANBS aims to collect at least 3,000 units of blood daily nationwide to meet the demand. Regular blood donations from individuals like [Donor’s Name] are essential to achieving this goal.

The Blood Donation Process: What to Expect

For those inspired by [Donor’s Name]’s story and considering becoming blood donors, here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Eligibility Check: Potential donors must meet specific criteria, including age (16-65), weight (minimum 50kg), and overall health. A pre-donation questionnaire assesses health status and risk factors.
2. Registration: Donors register at a SANBS donation center or mobile clinic, providing identification and contact data.
3. Mini-Health Check: A brief physical examination is conducted, including checking blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin levels.
4. Blood Draw: The actual blood donation process takes approximately 8-10 minutes. Approximately 480ml of blood is collected.
5. Post-Donation care: Donors are provided with refreshments and advised to rest for a short period.

Benefits of Blood Donation: More Than Just Saving Lives

While the primary benefit of blood donation is saving lives, there are also advantages for the donor:

Free Health Screening: The pre-donation health check provides a basic assessment of your health status.

Stimulates Blood Cell Production: Donating blood encourages your body to produce new blood cells, possibly improving overall health.

Psychological Well-being: Knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life can boost your mood and sense of purpose.

Regular Health Check-ups: Frequent donors often receive regular health updates and monitoring.

SANBS: Finding a Donation Center Near You

The SANBS operates numerous fixed donation centers and mobile clinics throughout South Africa.to find a location near you and book an appointment, visit the SANBS website: https://www.sanbs.org.za/ or call their toll-free helpline at 0800 11 9031.

New Advances in Blood Testing & Future Implications

while this article focuses on blood donation, recent advancements in blood testing are also noteworthy. As reported by the Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/new-blood-tests-alzheimers/art-20585060,new FDA-approved blood tests are now available for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. These advancements demonstrate the