CBCO In Critical Need Of Blood

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Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is in critical need of type A and O blood

Reserves are below one-day usage levels – hospital transfusions are highest since 2015

May 12, 2021 – Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the exclusive provider of blood for patients at 44 area healthcare facilities, is announcing an emergency appeal for donors with A or O blood types. Reserves are alarmingly low, with less than a one-day supply available. Eligible donors are asked to give immediately at a CBCO blood drive or donor center.

Donors that give between now and May 21 will receive a $5.00 gift card redeemable through CBCO’s LifePoints online donor portal. Donors will also receive a T-shirt that marks the wearer as a “locally sourced” lifesaver.

The shortage is the result of an unfortunate combination of a downturn in donations and an increase in blood transfusions in our area hospitals,” CBCO Media Relations Representative Chris Pilgrim said. “April’s transfusion numbers were the highest we have seen since 2015. Donations are still lower than normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When combined, those two factors make for a potentially dangerous situation.”

The current rates between blood donation and blood usage are unsustainable over the long and even short term. We are asking for blood donors to make an extra effort to give, and those who have never given to strongly consider doing so now.”

People who have received a COVID-19 vaccination may donate blood with no waiting period. They must meet the basic eligibility requirements of being at least 16 years old, weighing at least 110 pounds and feeling well and healthy at the time of donation.

Donors can give at one of four CBCO donor centers located in Springfield, Joplin, Springdale, Ark., or Bentonville, Ark. There are also opportunities to give at mobile blood drives across the Ozarks. To find a blood drive coming to your area or to make an appointment to give, go to 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.

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