(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, warns that the winter weather forecast for this weekend may significantly disrupt blood donation efforts.
With inventory levels already strained due to increased hospital usage, widespread blood drive cancellations and reduced donor turnout could quickly affect the local blood supply. CBCO is urging eligible donors to donate before the weather arrives.
“We are just coming off the holidays, which are always challenging when it comes to blood donations, and heading right into winter weather,” said Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative for CBCO. “We encourage eligible donors to give before the storm to help us build a strong supply. Help us stock the shelves at CBCO, and we will help stock yours. Donors will receive a $10 Walmart e‑gift card to prep for the winter weather. If road conditions are safe, we need our winter‑weather warriors to step up now. Your donation ensures local patients have the lifesaving blood they rely on.”
As the exclusive local provider of blood, Anthony Roberts, Executive Director of CBCO, points out the distinction between national blood appeals versus local blood appeals. “I know many people hear about blood appeals or emergencies from national blood banks on our local TV and radio stations and assume their blood donation with those organizations will help hospitals or patients in their area but that is not the case,” Roberts said. “Blood collected by organizations other than CBCO are sent outside of our area which in turn can put local hospitals and patients at risk by creating or exacerbating a local blood shortage.” Roberts points out that asking blood donors to give with their local blood provider is no different than the ask to support local businesses. “Many understand the importance of supporting local businesses rather than sending money outside of our community. It is really no different when it comes to blood donation except the fact that blood donations have a much more profound impact on the lives of your family, friends, and neighbors.”
The Stock Our Shelves (SOS) promotion available at donor enters only. The Joplin Donor Center’s (2318 E. 32nd Street) hours are as follows:
- Thursday, January 22: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Friday, January 23: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Donors will receive:
- A $10 Walmart e-gift card
- A “Challenge Accepted” sweatshirt
- A chance to win up to $56,000.00 in VISA gift cards (must register by February 28 to participate in the 56-Day Challenge)
Donors can schedule an appointment here or by calling 417.227.5006. However, extra staff are scheduled to help accommodate walk-in donors.
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
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