Local students take part in blood drives
The "Fingers Crossed for 2021" is the approach and motto the Arkansas Blood Institute has been taking into the new year to help save lives during blood drive events hosted in several local school districts in Hot Spring County.
This week, the Bloodmobile has traveled to Hot Spring County with several local donors giving blood. Malvern, Magnet Cove and Bismarck High Schools recently hosted blood drive events on their school campus.
Seniors who donated are eligible to apply for the Arkansas Blood Institute Local Scholarship.
All donors received a limited-edition long sleeve T-shirt and one free entry to the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock.
All donations support Arkansas hospitals such as Baptist Health, Children's, CHI St. Vincent, and National Park.
Each donor received a free COVID-19 antibody test. An appointment was needed to participate and masks were
required for all donors with a photo ID is required.
Test results will be mailed post-donation. This test has not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19. Must be 18 years old or older to receive an antibody test. Blood drives are managed according to CDC safety recommendations.
All donations will be test
ed for COVID-19 antibodies to identify potential convalescent plasma donors.
Arkansas Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion.
Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments are encouraged for social distancing, and can be made by call
ing 1-877-340-8777.
According to the Arkansas Blood Institute, it has an ongoing need for convalescent plasma from donors who have recovered from COVID-19 to treat seriously ill patients.
The institute has noted, "If you’ve recovered from COVID-19 or had a positive COVID-19 antibody test, please sign up for the registry at bit.ly/covid19-registry or call 888-308-3924."
It is also mentioned, anyone may email coviddonor@ obi.org to schedule an appointment. Please include a name, date of birth, contact information and date of last COVID-19 symptoms.
"You should also include proof of positive COVID-19 test results from your doctor or clinic. Positive COVID-19 test results can also be faxed to 405-278-3140 or emailed to results@bio-linked.org," according to the institute.
The public may also walk-in to a convenient donor center or find a mobile blood drive nearby. People can simply let staff know that they wish to donate convalescent plasma. Females with a history of pregnancy may be asked to donate whole blood, to be tested for anti-HLA antibodies.
The Bloodmobile is scheduled to be present at Walmart Sunday January 17 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. for the community to have the opportunity to donate blood.
For information about blood drives or when the next schedule an appointment for the next event, visit arkbi.org.