Free oak seedlings offered to blood donors

Arkansas Blood Institute is offering donors who give blood before spring break a special gift.

On Friday, all donors who give blood at Arkansas Blood Institute’s Little Rock or Hot Springs donor centers will receive free oak tree seedlings while supplies last. The seedlings, provided by the Oklahoma Forestry Services in partnership with Arkansas Forestry Commission, will come with planting and care instructions.

Seedlings can be planted as a symbol of new life, to honor or remember someone who has received blood, or as a reminder that the simple act of blood donation has a mighty impact, a news release said. Each blood donation saves up to three lives.

Spring break and the weeks following it present significant challenges to the blood supply for local hospitals, it said.

“During travel, people get out of their normal routines of giving,” Dr. John Armitage, ABI president and CEO, said in the release. “But accidents happen, and those battling cancer or other life-threatening conditions do not get a week off from their need for blood. We urge all healthy adults to donate blood before they leave town or get busy with spring break activities.”

Arkansas Blood Institute maintains the blood supply for more than 30 hospitals and medical facilities statewide. All blood is provided by volunteer donors, and more than 1,000 donors are needed each day.

Appointments aren’t required but can be made by calling 877-340-8777 or visiting http://www.arkbi.org.