Northwest Health hosts three blood drives in July
7/8/2022
Northwest Health would like to invite you to help make a difference in our community by donating blood this month. Join us at our Bentonville, Siloam Springs or Springdale hospital locations inside the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) bloodmobile to make your blood donation.
CBCO is the sole non-profit blood, platelet and plasma provider for all hospitals in the Northwest Health system and more than 40 other hospitals in the Ozarks. That’s why every donation matters.
“We are in the time of year where we lose the opportunity to work with schools and colleges, so we have to count on other groups, like our hospital partners, to help support the blood supply during the summer,” said Anthony Roberts, executive director of CBCO.
The upcoming drives will be:
- July 12 – 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville’s parking lot inside the Bloodmobile.
- July 15 – 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital’s parking lot inside the Bloodmobile. This annual blood drive is in memory of Cody Pickering.
- July 28 – 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Northwest Medical Center – Springdale’s north parking lot inside the Bloodmobile.
CBCO reports that a decrease in donations not only has to do with the time of year but also because of some changes caused by the pandemic.
“We’ve also started seeing many businesses calling employees back from working at home but not yet allowing blood drives at their facilities,” Roberts said. “That is having quite an impact on donations since most people are willing to donate when there’s a convenient opportunity whether at work, church or school, but those opportunities aren’t as plentiful now.”
For that reason, CBCO is asking those in the community to find a nearby location by visiting CBCO.org. To provide a convenient opportunity for blood donors to help their friends, family and neighbors. Roberts said all donors will receive a free “Let’s Save A Life” T-Shirt with a chance to win weekly mystery prizes and a $5,000 mystery grand prize.
To be eligible to give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and present a valid photo ID. Before the blood drive, donors are asked to take a few steps to ensure that donations operate smoothly on the day of the drive:
- Drink plenty of water or juice the night and morning before you donate.
- Eat a well-balanced meal around 2-3 hours before giving.
- Bring your photo identification: This is now required for all donors.
For more information, call (800) 280-5337 or visit www.cbco.org.
Back