Saving lives while going Hog Wild

Arkansas Blood Institute is bringing a game plan to save lives to area schools this week.

A blood drive will be held from 2:30-6 p.m. Wednesday in the Lake Hamilton Intermediate School cafeteria.

Another blood drive will be held in the Hot Springs High School gym from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, and the Bloodmobile will be at Mount Ida High School from 8:30 a.m. to noon Thursday.

Piney Grove United Methodist Church will also host a blood drive in its Fellowship Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

Donors must be at least 16 years old and have a photo ID. Each blood donor will receive a “Go Hog Wild” blood donor T-shirt. Donors will also receive free health screenings and Donor Rewards points redeemable at Arkansas Blood Institute’s online store.

Students who bring a donor will receive a

“goofy pen.”

“Whether it is a trauma or ongoing treatment for cancer or other life-threatening conditions, someone needs blood every two seconds,” Paulette Nieuwenhof, executive director of Arkansas Blood Institute, said in a news release. “That is why we are asking everyone to rally their community spirit along with their team spirit this football season.”

Only 10 percent of eligible donors actually give. ABI says each donation can save the lives of up to three local patients. People with rarer, negative blood types are especially urged to give. Donations can be made every 56 days.

Arkansas Blood Institute is a nonprofit blood center that serves more than 30 hospitals across the state. Volunteer donors supply all of the blood needed by patients at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs and National Park Medical Center.

Appointments for the blood drive can be made by calling 877-340-8777 or visiting http://www.arkbi.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.