JEFFERSON COUNTY, Neb. -- Local hospitals are seeing a major blood shortage in Nebraska, calling for more blood drives.

“There is a shortage of Type O blood right now. 40% of the population is O positive which means that 40% of the patients in local hospitals are needing O positive blood,” said Kari Lundeen, Marketing Manager.

But the Nebraska Community Blood Bank is giving an extra incentive for residents around Nebraska to come in and donate blood. 

“The towns and the areas around Lincoln and Omaha city limits, to host a blood drive for their community, but at the same time though, we would be able to give funds back to that community, thanking them for hosting a blood drive,” said Lundeen.

The Hometown Heroes program is a way for the blood bank to thank its donors, give money back to the community and support some local departments. 

“But that could be your 4-H communities, your volunteer fire departments, youth community clubs, food pantries,” said Lundeen. “It really has a lot of different options that the funds can be given to.”

The rules are simple and benefit both parties involved.

“As many drives that are scheduled between Memorial Day and Labor Day is what we add together and then that is how the funds are determined,” said Lundeen.

For 30 to 60 blood donations, the donation is $500, from 60 to 90, $750 and can go as high as $1,200.

Jefferson Community Health and Life has been involved with the Hometown Heroes program for several years.

Looking to donate to charitable organizations around town, it has its next blood drive set for August.

“So Jefferson County Health has been a part of this program for several years, having two blood drives in that summer time to gain funds and to give back to the community,” said Lundeen.

With the blood shortage, you just never know who is going to need blood at any time.

“One in three people will need blood in their lifetime, so if it's not you, it's probably a loved one or a family member,” said Lundeen.