Community Blood Center of the Ozarks to Adjust Hours, Faces Potential Closures and Cancellations Due to Winter Storm

(Joplin, MO) – Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 45 area health care facilities, is bracing for disruptions caused by the impending winter storm. Due to the most recent winter weather, mobile blood drive cancellations and potential donor center closures could significantly impact local blood supplies.

The storm forecast for January 9 and 10, 2025, predicts heavy snowfall and dangerously low temperatures across the Ozarks. As a result, several mobile blood drives have already been canceled, and CBCO is closely monitoring conditions to determine adjustments to donor center operations.

“Winter weather events like this can quickly disrupt our ability to collect lifesaving blood donations,” said Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative for CBCO. “We  encourage eligible donors to give as soon as it’s safe to do so. A single donation can help save up to three lives in our community.”

What donors need to know:

• Monitor updates. CBCO will provide real-time updates on donor center hours and mobile blood drive statuses here.
• Act now. Blood reserves for local hospitals are currently stable, but cancellations could quickly deplete supplies. Donate as soon as possible to ensure patient needs continue to be met.
• Schedule a donation. Make an appointment to give blood at a nearby donor center or upcoming drive by clicking here.

Successful donors at any CBCO blood drive or donor center in January will receive a cozy pullover hoodie, perfect for staying warm on cold winter days.

About Community Blood Center of the Ozarks:

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is the exclusive provider of blood, plasma, and platelets to patients at 44 area Ozark hospitals in southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas, and southeast Kansas. More than 50,000 donations of blood are required each year to meet the local transfusion needs of our friends and neighbors.

Reference: 

Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks
417.227.5367