Join the Biggest Drive Challenge with Ozarks Healthcare and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks

In an effort to promote regular blood donations and save lives, the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) is launching the annual 56-Day Challenge, generously presented by the Adam Swenka Team at Flat Branch Home Loans.

The CBCO blood drive, marking the commencement of the 56-Day Challenge, invites eligible donors to participate through donating blood at Ozarks Healthcare. The drive will take place on Friday, Feb. 23, from noon to 6 p.m. at Ozarks Healthcare’s Willard Hunter Classroom in Parkway Center located at 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains., providing an opportunity for the community to contribute to this lifesaving initiative.

All successful donors during the event will receive a complimentary 56-Day Challenge hoodie, available while supplies last. Participants who sign up for the 56-Day Challenge stand a chance to win VISA gift cards, with larger opportunities the more they donate throughout 2024. Official rules and additional information can be found at www.cbco.org/56day.

Every seven minutes, someone in the Ozarks requires blood. The CBCO serves over 40 hospitals, including Ozarks Healthcare, and each donation can impact up to three local patients.

To ensure a seamless donation process, donors are advised to:

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.