WEST PLAINS, MO – Ozarks Healthcare and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) will host a blood drive on Friday, Feb. 18, from noon until 6 p.m., at the Willard Hunter Classroom in the Ozarks Healthcare Parkway Center at 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains.
The CBCO is the exclusive provider of blood, platelets, and plasma to all local hospitals, including Ozarks Healthcare. According to the CBCO, blood reserves dropped significantly during the last round of winter weather in the Ozarks, which led to over 500 lost donations.
“As our health system continues to face the need to provide an increased level of care, we continue to rely heavily on blood donations from the CBCO,” Karlee Marvin, Education Supervisor at Ozarks Healthcare and drive organizer, said. “By donating, you can help replenish our local blood supply and help our staff care for those in our community.”
As stated by the CBCO’s donation guidelines, you may still donate if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Individuals diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19, and who displayed symptoms, should refrain from donating blood for at least ten days after complete resolution of symptoms. Individuals who tested positive but never developed symptoms should refrain from donating blood for at least ten days after the date of the positive test. Blood donors must be in good health and pass a routine screening on the date of their donation.
Appointments are strongly encouraged to be made ahead of the drive. To schedule your appointment, call 417-227-5006 or go to www.cbco.org/donate-blood. Donors will receive a free CBCO quarter-zip pullover while supplies last.
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 ID – Photo ID is now required for all donors.
Face masks are required for this blood drive. To learn more, visit www.cbco.org.
