Missouri news

The CBCO Asks Residents to Donate Blood as Donations Hits a Seasonal Low

KRPS | By Fred Fletcher-Fierro

Published July 26, 2024 at 11:22 AM CDT

Earlier this year the American Red Cross declared a national emergency due to the shortage of blood. The organization is experiencing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years. There's been a 40% decrease in the number of people donating.

With summer in full effect and many of us busy vacationing or just out of normal routines, as a result, we are donating fewer pints of blood.

KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, is in emergency need of all blood types. Blood inventory levels are at a historic low, with less than a one-day supply available.

Eligible donors are asked to give immediately at a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks blood drive or donor center. CBCO Media Relations Representative, Michelle Teter said in a press release quote,

“We have not experienced a blood shortage like this in over two years.” All donors in July will receive a plush, ‘Chillin in the Ozarks’ beach towel, while supplies last. Donors can give at one of four CBCO donor centers located in Joplin, Mo, Springfield, Mo., Bentonville, Ark., or Springdale, Ark.

There are also opportunities to give at mobile blood drives across the Ozarks. To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. To schedule an appointment, call 417-227-5006 or schedule at www.cbco.org/ .