Feel better, give blood

Conclude the summer season by giving blood with Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI), 1635 Higdon Ferry Road, Friday, Aug. 12, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those who are healthy and age 16 or older* are encouraged to donate blood and in return will receive collectors’ edition M*A*S*H Bash Blood Drive T-shirts, while supplies last.

“For patients in need of blood, there’s no summer vacation,” said John Armitage, M.D., Arkansas Blood Institute president and chief executive. “M*A*S*H Bash provides a fun way to finish off the summer and save lives. The lives of our friends, co-workers and neighbors may depend on it. That’s why it’s crucial that blood donors take just an hour to donate blood.”

Donations can be made every 56 days. M*A*S*H Bash donors will also receive a hamburger or hot dog with sides, health screenings and Donor Rewards Points, redeemable for merchandise and gift certificates at ABI’s online store.

Arkansas Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 16 hospitals in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma thanks to its volunteer donors. Since 1958, those needing blood in the area have counted on mobile blood drives and donor centers in Fort Smith and Hot Springs to ensure there is an adequate blood supply. In October, it became an affiliate of Oklahoma Blood Institute after previously partnering with United Blood Services. Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, independent nonprofit blood center in the nation. Arkansas Blood Institute was formed at this time to reflect the local commitment to providing for people in the region.

For more information, contact Arkansas Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visit us at www.arkbi.org.