Appointments are strongly encouraged to manage donor flow. To schedule your appointment, call 417-227-5006, or go to www.cbco.org/donate-blood.

Community Blood Drive

Ozarks Healthcare is encouraging community members to give back this summer by donating blood and helping save lives across the Ozarks.

Through a partnership with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), individuals who donate blood during May and June will receive special donor rewards while supplies last, including a free ¾ sleeve All-American T-shirt and a “Give & Go Fun Pass” featuring admission offers and activities valued at more than $245.

The voucher includes special offers to regional attractions and entertainment destinations, including Northwest Arkansas Naturals baseball games, Fritz’s Adventure, SuperSplash USA, and Andy B’s Springfield.

Ozarks Healthcare’s next community blood drive will be held Friday, June 19, from noon to 6 p.m. at Parkway Center at 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd., West Plains. Community members are encouraged to schedule an appointment or stop by to donate and help meet the ongoing need for blood throughout the region.

The CBCO is the sole provider of blood, platelets, and plasma to more than 40 hospitals across southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas, and southeast Kansas. According to CBCO, someone in the region needs blood every seven minutes.

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

Donors are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids before donating, eat a healthy meal prior to their appointment, and bring a valid photo ID.