Community Blood Center of the Ozarks issues critical appeal for all blood types

  • Blood reserve levels are alarmingly low heading into long holiday weekend
  • Hours change at CBCO donor centers this week due to holiday
  • Mullets, Mugs & Mario promotional event Wednesday 11/25/20

November 23, 2020 – Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the exclusive provider of blood for patients at 44 area healthcare facilities, is issuing a critical appeal for all blood types. Reserves are alarmingly low, due to very high usage levels in area hospitals and a continued negative impact on donation rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible donors are urged to give immediately to avoid a shortage as we head into a holiday weekend.

A resurgence in the intensity of COVID-19 cases has caused several blood drive cancellations or postponements, affecting hundreds of anticipated donations. “We continue to be challenged by the redevelopment of sickness due to COVID-19,” CBCO Executive Director Anthony Roberts said. “When you combine blood drive cancellations with an upcoming holiday weekend, it is a real cause for concern. There are some opportunities to give remaining for the first part of the week. I strongly urge eligible blood donors to open their hearts by giving during this critical time.”

Special hours at CBCO Donor Centers this week, with a promotional event on Wednesday

CBCO Donor Centers will be closed (except for apheresis appointments only) on Thanksgiving Day and Friday, November 27. On Wednesday, November 25, donors are invited to give during the “Mullets, Mugs and Mario” Blood Drive. The drive will be held at all CBCO Donor Centers, with special operating hours:

Springfield, Springdale, and Bentonville Donor Centers – Wed., November 25 – Open 7:00 am to 1:00 pm

Joplin Donor Center – Wed., November 25 – Open 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Closed Thurs., November 26. Open Fri., November 27 only for donors with apheresis appointments scheduled.

Successful donors during the event Wednesday will receive the now iconic “Mullet Over” T-shirt as well as a CBCO campfire mug. All donors will get a chance at winning a Nintendo Switch gaming system including a Super Mario 3D All-Stars game.

Find a Mobile Blood Drive Near You

There are also some remaining mobile blood drives in and around the CBCO service area. To find a mobile blood drive coming to your region, go to www.cbco.org/donate-blood/. Click on a blue box on that page to search by city, county, etc.

On behalf of local hospital patients, CBCO thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to your community.