Winter weather severely limiting donation opportunities outside of fixed site donation centers – most area hospitals already at less than optimum reserve levels currently
February 10, 2021 – Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the exclusive provider of blood for patients at 44 area healthcare facilities, is declaring a state of emergency regarding the local blood supply. Severe winter weather this week caused almost all mobile blood drives to be cancelled, resulting in the loss of over 500 potential donations. With more winter weather on the way, including the potential for heavy snow, it is imperative to try to build reserves in advance of anticipated blood drive cancellations next week. Eligible donors are strongly urged to give immediately at a CBCO donor center or blood drive near them.
CBCO’s Bentonville Donor Center will hold an emergency blood drive on Saturday, adding donation hours and increasing staff to accommodate an additional influx of donors. Donation times are:
Emergency Blood Drive – CBCO Bentonville Donor Center
1400 SE Walton Blvd.
SPECIAL HOURS THIS SATURDAY ONLY
Saturday, Feb. 13 – 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Successful donors that give now through February 15th at CBCO donor centers will receive a $10.00 gift card redeemable through the LifePoints Local donor portal at www.cbco.org. Donors over the weekend will also be eligible to win one of two $500.00 gift cards by drawing. A special thanks to Greg and Carol Shackelford of Nixa, MO for their generous donation.Donors will also receive an inspirational T-shirt, while supplies last.
“We usually have an opportunity for our blood reserves to recover after a winter storm, but the long-lasting nature of this winter event is a cause for concern,” CBCO Executive Director Anthony Roberts said. “We simply cannot withstand an extended period of severe reductions in blood donations. The outcome could be tragic for area patients if we run out of blood. We need our donors to rally this weekend to help us avert some potentially very negative consequences when it comes to the health of the region.”
Appointments are encouraged but not required for this event. Make your appointment to give online at www.cbco.org/donate-blood/.
On behalf of local hospital patients, CBCO thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to your community