Be a Champion, Give Blood, and Save Lives - Ozarks Healthcare and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks to host Blood Drive Oct. 20

In collaboration with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), Ozarks Healthcare is encouraging community members to “be a champion,” give blood, and save lives at a community blood drive on Oct. 20.

In February, the Kansas City Chiefs inspired fans during an incredible run to their third league championship. This fall, Chiefs fans in the Ozarks have the chance to be champions for life … by donating blood, plasma or platelets to help local patients. Successful donors who donate at a CBCO blood drive or donor center between Oct 2 and Nov. 30 will receive an all-new Kansas City Chiefs “3X Champs” t-shirt, while supplies last. All donors can enter for a chance to win two tickets and a parking pass to Kansas City’s Dec. 31 game against Cincinnati — an $870 value. Information about how to enter the drawing can be found at all blood drives and donor centers.

The October blood drive hosted by Ozarks Healthcare and the CBCO will be held Friday, Oct. 20, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Willard Hunter Classroom in Parkway Center located at 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains.

 The CBCO provides all blood for patients at Ozarks Healthcare, as well as dozens of healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. Each blood drive donation can help save the lives of up to three people.

Before the blood drive, donors are asked to take a few steps to ensure that donations run smoothly:

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.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged to minimize potential wait times at the blood drive. Donors can schedule an appointment at https://www.cbco.org/donate-blood/ or by calling 417-227-5006. 

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.