Community Blood Center of the Ozarks says they have an emergency need for blood

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) says they urgently need all types of blood from donors immediately.

In a press release, CBCO says they only have a one-day supply level, a historic low, and are asking eligible donors to give blood at a CBCO blood drive or donor center as soon as possible.

“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,” said CBCO Media Relations Representative Michelle Teter. “We have not experienced a blood shortage like this in over two years. It does matter where you donate and the only way to maintain a healthy blood supply for local patients is to donate with CBCO. If you are eligible, we urge you to donate. If you have never donated before, now is the perfect time to start.”

Local hospitals have also stressed the critical need for blood donations, as the CBCO is the sole supplier of blood, plasma and platelets for their healthcare facilities.

“When emergencies happen, the need for blood is critically important for us,” said Dr. Sadaf Sohrab, Chief Medical Officer for Mercy Springfield Communities. “CBCO is Mercy Springfield Hospital’s local blood supplies, and our patients receive the blood products they need from blood donors who donate with CBCO. I encourage eligible donors to donate with CBCO this week to help with the emergency need.”

“In critical situations, access to an adequate blood supply can be lifesaving,” says Max Buetow, President and CEO of CoxHealth. “The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) provides essential blood products for our patients, and I encourage everyone to donate blood and support this vital cause. Your donation can make a significant difference for the communities we serve.”

The CBCO has donor centers operating in Springfield, Joplin, Bentonville, Ark. and Springdale, Ark. They also host mobile blood drives across the Ozarks. Donors can avoid wait times by scheduling an appointment at www.cbco.org/ or calling 417-227-5006.

Those who donate in July will get a plush, ‘Chillin in the Ozarks’ beach towel, while supplies last.

To give blood, donors have to be at least 16 years old, weigh 110 pounds, be in good health and have not given blood in the last 56 days.

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