Ozarks Healthcare Hosts Community Blood Drive to Support Local Patients

Ozarks Healthcare is partnering with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) to host a community blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, at the Willard Hunter Classroom in Parkway Center, 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd., helping ensure local hospitals have the blood supply needed to care for patients throughout the region.

The “Chillin’ in the Ozarks” blood drive invites community members to donate blood while enjoying special summer donor rewards. Successful donors will receive a free premium velour beach towel, while supplies last, and have the opportunity to enter to win a $10,000 dream vacation.

“Every blood donation has the potential to make a lifesaving difference for patients right here in our communities,” Terence Farrell, Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO, said. “We encourage everyone who is able to give blood to consider donating and helping support friends, neighbors, and loved ones who may need blood during their care.”

Blood donations are essential across the Ozarks, where someone needs blood every seven minutes. CBCO is the sole provider of blood, platelets, and plasma to more than 40 hospitals in northwest Arkansas, southwest Missouri, and southeast Kansas. A single blood donation can help save up to three patients.

Appointments are encouraged to help reduce wait times, although walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, call 417-227-5006 or visit www.cbco.org/donate-blood. 

Donors are encouraged to prepare for their appointment by: drinking plenty of water or juice the night and morning before donating, eating a well-balanced meal two to three hours before donating, and bringing a photo ID, which is required for all donors.

Ozarks Healthcare thanks the community for continuing to support local blood donation efforts and helping provide lifesaving resources for patients in need.

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.