Guns and hoses

Blood donors this summer will “feel strong” when they partner with the Hot Springs Village fire department and law enforcement at their annual Guns N Hoses blood drive 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, July 21 at the Balboa Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on 415 Ponce de Leon Drive. Donors will choose which department to support by donating on behalf of the law enforcement or the fire department.

Not only will each blood donor save up to three lives with their donation, they’ll also receive the annual Guns N Hoses T-shirt and free health screenings.

“As donors plan summer vacations and outdoor activities, we encourage blood donation to be a part of those summer plans,” said Dr. John Armitage, ABI president and CEO. “It’s important to have regular blood donors to maintain our typical three-day supply.”

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years of age can donate* and donations can be made every 56 days.

Blood donors also have the opportunity to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by forgoing the T-shirt offered in appreciation for giving blood. In turn, OBI will make a monetary donation of similar value to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It’s a chance to ‘doubly give’ for Arkansas residents with these blood disorders - through the gift of life-saving blood - and support of research and treatment initiatives.

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 or to make an appointment, contact Arkansas Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visit us at www.arkbi.org.

* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.