Ozarks Healthcare and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks to host Blood Drive Dec. 22, encourages Community to Give Gift of Life this Season
Ozarks Healthcare and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) will host a blood drive on Wednesday, Dec. 22, from noon until 6 p.m., at the Willard Hunter Classroom in the Ozarks Healthcare Parkway Center at 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains.
The CBCO is the exclusive provider of blood, platelets, and plasma to all local hospitals, including Ozarks Healthcare. Ozarks Healthcare officials are encouraging community members to consider donating ahead of the Christmas holiday to potentially save a life.
“Donating blood is important all year long, but it takes on a special meaning at Christmas time,” Karlee Marvin, Education Supervisor at Ozarks Healthcare and drive organizer, said. “While we are focused on finding the perfect gift for our loved ones this holiday season, we often don’t stop to think about how a blood donation could save their lives one day. All of our blood collected from CBCO drives stay local, so even a one-time donation can help those you love most.”
As stated by the CBCO’s donation guidelines, you may still donate if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19. If you have had COVID-19, you should wait two weeks to donate after receiving a positive test to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Appointments are strongly encouraged to be made ahead of the drive. To schedule your appointment, call 417-227-5006 or go to www.cbco.org/donate-blood. Donors will be entered in a weekly drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 plane fare, train fare, or gas. Donors will also receive a free t-shirt while supplies last.
Before the blood drive, donors are asked to take a few steps to ensure that donations operate smoothly on the day of the drive:
1. Drink plenty of water or juice the night and morning before you donate.
2. Eat a well-balanced meal around 2-3 hours before giving.
3. Bring your photo ID - Photo ID is now required for all donors.
Face masks are required for this blood drive. To learn more, visit www.cbco.org.
Ozarks Healthcare is a system of care encompassing primary care and specialty clinics, along with complete rehabilitation, behavioral healthcare, and home health services. While the 114-bed acute care hospital cares for more than 5,400 admissions, the entire health system has more than 364,000 patient visits annually in South Central Missouri and Northern Arkansas. For more information about Ozarks Healthcare, visit www.OzarksHealthcare.com.
