The exclusive provider of blood for patients at 44 area healthcare facilities says reserves of A and O blood types are alarmingly low, with less than a one-day supply available.
The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has issued an emergency appeal for donors with those blood types, asking them to give immediately at a CBCO blood drive or donor center.
CBCO Media Relations Representative Chris Pilgrim says the shortage is the result of an unfortunate combination of a downturn in donations and an increase in blood transfusions at area hospitals.
“April’s transfusion numbers were the highest we have seen since 2015” Pilgrim said. “Donations are still lower than normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When combined, those two factors make for a potentially dangerous situation.”
People who have received a COVID-19 vaccine may donate blood with no waiting period. They must meet the basic eligibility requirements of being at least 16 years old, weighing at least 110 pounds, and feeling well and healthy at the time of donation.
Donors can give at one of four CBCO donor centers located in Springfield, Joplin, Springdale, Arkansas or Bentonville, Arkansas.
There are also opportunities to give at mobile blood drives across the Ozarks.
To find a blood drive coming to your area, or to make an appointment to give, click here.