(Joplin, MO) – Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at more than 40 hospitals across the region, is asking eligible donors to give blood following an unusually high demand for blood products over the weekend.
Several trauma cases across the Ozarks resulted in the use of more than 220 units of O positive, placing additional pressure on the local blood supply.
CBCO is especially seeking donors with O positive and O negative blood types. Donations made in the coming days will help replenish the blood supply and ensure local hospitals have the blood products they need for emergency and ongoing patient care.
“Weekend trauma cases can quickly change the needs of our local hospitals,” said Michelle Teter, CBCO Media Relations Representative. “When demand increases unexpectedly, we depend on blood donors to help maintain an adequate local blood supply strong. If you are eligible to donate, we encourage you to make an appointment this week. Your donation could help save a life when patients need it most.”
Donors will receive a voucher for two free general admissions to the Dickerson Park Zoo, a $38 value, along with a limited-edition otter-themed T-shirt, while supplies last.
Photo identification is required. Donors should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with a signed parental permission, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and have not donated blood within the past 56 days.
Appointments are strongly encouraged to help reduce wait times. To schedule an appointment, click here or call 417.227.5006.
On behalf of local hospital patients, CBCO thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to your community.
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 more than 40 area hospitals in southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas, and southeast Kansas. More than 60,000 donations of blood are required each year to meet the local transfusion needs of our friends and neighbors. To learn more, visit www.cbco.org
Reference:
Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks
417.224.4898
teterm@cbco.org
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