Bryant blood drive set to help with shortage caused by pandemic

The Arkansas Blood Institute is hosting a local blood drive in an effort to boost dwindling supplies due to less donor participation in the wake of COVID-19.

The mobile blood drive will be held from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, at the Bryant Walmart. Appointments are preferred to help with social distancing, however, walk-ins are accepted as the schedule allows. All donors are required to wear a mask.

According to the ABI, the groups life-saving stock of blood has reached a less than once-a-day supply. Typically, the ABI maintains a three-to-five day supply for local hospitals.

“As the community’s blood supplier, we will do everything in our power to make sure that critically needed products are on the shelf when our hospital partners and their patients need them,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute.

All donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies to identify potential convalescent plasma donors.

Blood drives will be managed according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention safety recommendations.

All donors will receive a longsleeved T-shirt.

“Volunteer donors with Arkansas Blood Institute exclusively provide every drop of blood needed for patients in 40 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide,” the ABI said. “One donation saves up to three lives. Arkansas Blood Institute depends on an average of 1,200 donors per day to meet the needs of patients in our state. These patients rely on blood to survive an emergency injury or illness, or for ongoing treatment for cancer and other life-threatening diseases and conditions.”

According to Armitage, COVID-19 has put a tremendous strain on the blood supply and someone needs a lifesaving transfusion every 2 seconds.

“We are calling on all healthy Arkansans to take about an hour of their time to give blood for our friends and neighbors in need,” Armitage said.

To make an appointment, call 877-340-8777 or visit www.arkibi.org.