Blood Center of the Ozarks in need of donations

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Bentonville’s Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) is asking for donations of all blood types, according to a news release.

The blood center says its supply is depleting rapidly, with less than a one-day supply available for patients in need. CBCO has partnered with local hospitals and is asking eligible donors to give as soon as possible at the donor center or to participate in their blood drives.

“CBCO is currently facing extreme shortages of blood, with reserves at critically low levels. As the sole provider of blood to area hospitals, this shortage has a significant local impact,” Michelle Teter with CBCO said. “We have not experienced a blood shortage like this in over two years,”

Donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and may have not given blood in the past 56 days, the release said.

Eligible participants can donate at one of four CBCO donor centers located in Bentonville, Springdale, Joplin or Springfield. There are also opportunities to give at mobile blood drives across the Ozarks.

“Washington Regional, like other hospitals in Northwest Arkansas, relies on the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks as our primary blood supplier,” Washington Regional Chief Operating Officer Birch Wright said. “CBCO is the sole source of blood, platelets and plasma for as many as 45 healthcare facilities in the area, proving essential to keeping our community flowing.”

To avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged by the CBCO. To schedule an appointment, call 417-227-5006 or schedule on its website .

“It does matter where you donate and the only way to maintain a healthy blood supply for local patients is to donate with CBCO,” Teter said. “If you are eligible, we urge you to donate. If you have never donated before, now is the perfect time to start.”

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