OMC Blood Drive with CBCO sees record attendance
Pictured left to right: Lacey Carter, RN, MSN, Executive Director of Nursing, OMC; Karlee Marvin, RN, Nurse Residency Coordinator, OMC
By: Kim Wood
Ozarks Medical Center (OMC) recently held a blood drive with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBC) on April 17, with a record 75 donors participating.
The threat of an increased need for blood supplies due to the pandemic of COVID-19 coupled with the mandates of social distancing had recently increased the need for donations. OMC extended a special challenge to healthcare workers and many answered the call to donate. Even with updated protocols to keep donors safe and appropriately distanced, donations exceeded any previous attendance by 65 percent.
“Almost 50 percent of the donors Friday were 1st-time donors so that's even more incredible,” said Julia Curtman, Blood Drive Consultant, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. “We're reaching a new group of people to donate in the future.”
For more than 20 years the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBC) has been a provider of blood for hospitals located across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. Using state-of-the-art technology and strict quality control methods to ensure that the hospitals they serve have all the blood they need to save lives. They remain committed to fulfilling present and future needs, knowing that this product saves lives every day.
“Giving this precious resource is the most valuable gift of all,” said Melody Hubbell, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, OMC. “Your gift directly benefits local hospitals like OMC, that serve our loved ones and neighbors.”
Ozarks Medical Center is a system of care encompassing eight primary care and 17 specialty clinics, along with complete rehabilitation, behavioral healthcare, and home care services. While the 114-bed acute care hospital cares for more than 5,400 admissions, the entire medical system has more than 364,000 patient visits annually in South Central Missouri and Northern Arkansas.
