Gravette first responders will assist with blood drive
GRAVETTE — First responders from Gravette are uniting with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole supplier of blood, platelets and plasma to patients at Ozarks Community Hospital in Gravette, as well as over 40 area healthcare facilities, for the third annual Gravette Boots and Badges Community Challenge Blood Drive. The blood drive will be held Wednesday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All donors will receive a free Boots and Badges Blood Drive T-shirt honoring first responders and two free tickets to Dickerson Park Zoo, while supplies last. Gravette area residents will have the opportunity to donate blood to help local patients at two convenient locations, Ozarks Community Hospital, at 1101 S.W. Jackson Street, and the Gravette Civic Center, 401 Charlotte Street S.E.
The Boots and Badges Blood Drive is a fun event that provides the opportunity for community members to come together and support local patients while at the same time honoring area first responders for the outstanding work they do every day. It is also a friendly competition between fire and police departments with a traveling trophy awarded to the department with the strongest showing. Area leaders are in strong support of this event and have joined with CBCO to voice a unified message intended to save lives.
The Gravette Police Department hopes to retain the traveling trophy that it won in 2021 during the first competition. That trophy has come to represent “bragging rights” between the two departments. “You can help provide the gift of life to your friends and family when they need it most through your donation of blood,” said Chuck Skaggs, Gravette’s chief of police. “Every drop is important, and I encourage you to donate during the Gravette Boots and Badges Blood Drive.”
Gravette fire chief David Orr knows that Community Blood Center of the Ozarks’ donors are responsible for providing blood used locally in the region. “Your donation of blood stays right here in northwest Arkansas,” he said. “Your gift today could save the life of a friend or family member tomorrow.” Area hospitals are also encouraging community members to make the time to give blood. “Donating blood to the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks saves the lives of those in accidents, needing emergency surgery and with other medical problems at Ozarks Community Hospital,” said Dr. David Tucker, OCH medical director. “Whenever we hear stories about saving another person’s life, we instantly admire that hero for thinking of others ahead of themselves. Well, here is everyone’s chance to be a hero. Be a hero today and donate,” stated Tucker.
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/donateblood. On behalf of local hospital patients, CBCO thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to their community.