Blood reserve at less than one-day supply

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the exclusive provider of blood for patients at 44 area health care facilities, is reissuing a critical appeal for all blood types.

Reserves are alarmingly low, due in part to severe winter weather that has canceled nearly all scheduled mobile blood drives during the early part of the week.

There is also a continued negative impact on donation rates due to the covid-19 pandemic. Eligible donors are strongly urged to give immediately at a donor center or blood drive near them.

“Hundreds of donations have been lost already this week,” center media relations representative Chris Pilgrim said. “And with the winter weather forecast to continue, we fear that more cancellations will occur over the next few days. It takes around 200 donations every day to meet the needs of our local patients. During this time of extreme need, we must turn to donors near our donor centers to help bolster the blood supply.”

“If you live near a donor center and you can get out safely, please help us to meet area needs,” executive director Anthony Roberts said.

“Our center-based donors have been very supportive during the covid-19 pandemic, giving during times when most mobile blood drives were canceled. Area hospital patients need you again now. If you are healthy and eligible, please give immediately.”

Donors will also receive an inspirational T-shirt while supplies last.

Donors can give at one of four CBCO donor centers in Springdale and Bentonville. To find a blood drive coming to your area or to make an appointment to give, go to www.cbco.org/ donate-blood/.