The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is partnering with four area attractions to help boost the region’s blood supply this spring.
Ozarks Healthcare invites eligible donors to participate through donating blood at the CBCO’s next blood drive at its health system, from noon to 6 p.m. April 25 at Ozarks Healthcare’s Willard Hunter Classroom in Parkway Center, 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains.
Anyone who donates blood, plasma or platelets to the CBCO before April 30 will receive a CBCO “Locally Sourced” T-shirt and an Ozarks Adventure Pass worth over $150 in vouchers redeemable at four area attractions through Dec. 31: the Discovery Center of Springfield, two free admissions valued at $30; the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, Ark., two free admissions valued at $24; Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Ark, two free admissions valued at $64, exclusively for general admissions with mandatory online tour reservation; and Beyond the Lens! In Branson, one free admission valued at $36.99.
The CBCO serves over 40 hospitals, including Ozarks Healthcare, and each donation can impact up to three local patients, say officials.
To ensure a seamless donation process, donors are advised to drink plenty of water or juice the night and morning before donating, eat a well-balanced meal around two to three hours before giving and bring a photo ID, which is now required for all donors.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged to minimize potential wait times at the blood drive. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/donate-blood or by calling 417-227-5006.
