ABI aids Ukraine through donations
Arkansas Blood Institute is encouraging the public to donate blood and double their impact by saving local lives and supporting Ukrainian blood banks in a time of war, a news release said.
Today through March 31, ABI will make a $10 donation to the Global Blood Fund, a charity supporting Ukrainian blood banks, for each donor who foregoes taking a T-shirt when donating. ABI’s staff will complete a Support Ukraine Global Blood Fund card for each participating donor and give them a “Support Ukraine” sticker, the release said.
“The Russian invasion is affecting all aspects of life in Ukraine, including their blood banks. Last week a Ukrainian blood center was hit by artillery shelling, killing one blood donor and wounding three others,” the release said.
“The Global Blood Fund is designed to help blood banks throughout the world,” Dr. John Armitage, ABI’s president and CEO, said in the release. “Any way we can help our fellow blood centers, especially in times of crisis, we jump at the opportunity to help those in need.
“Our loyal donors are heroes who help save lives and this is a chance to make an impact globally,” he said.
Arkansas Blood Institute is the local, nonprofit blood supplier, supporting the inventory for patients in more than 40 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.
Anyone who is healthy and at least 16 years old can give blood. Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 877-340-8777 or visiting arkbi.org.