Friday, March 20, 2015

Blood drive to help build back up reserves following winter storms

During recent winter storms, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks’ reserves were compromised and the blood center issued a Code Yellow Alert for all negative blood types. The blood center is reporting that donations are needed immediately.

A blood drive at Cox Medical Center Branson on March 27 will help Community Blood Center of the Ozarks rebuild its reserve.

Donors to Community Blood Center of the Ozarks provide all of the blood for patients at 39 area hospitals, including Cox Medical Center Branson.

Every seven minutes on average, a transfusion takes place and it takes approximately 230 donations each day to meet the area’s blood needs.

To be eligible to give blood, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and present a valid photo ID. Anyone planning to give is encouraged to eat well and drink plenty of fluids prior to the blood drive. For more information about the blood drive, please visit cbco.org or call 800-280-5337.
To give blood, stop by Cox Medical Center Branson, 525 Branson Landing Boulevard, between noon and 6 p.m. on Friday, March 27. The blood drive will be held in the Tree Rooms. Each donor will receive a gift courtesy of CoxHealth, while supplies last.