Give blood this month

Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) thanks those who take time to save lives through blood donation during summer months. Hot Springs-area residents have an opportunity to donate blood during a two-day drive at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center Mercy Room on 300 Werner Street:

• Wednesday, August 17, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, August 18, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Each blood donation at the St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center drive will save up to three lives. All donors will receive a “feel strong,” zoo-themed T-shirt and health screenings.

“With less than 10% of the eligible population actually donating blood, we are grateful for groups such as St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center that help us keep an adequate blood supply in the difficult summer months,” said Dr. John Armitage, ABI President and CEO.

August is the final month for blood donors to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by forgoing the T-shirt offered in appreciation for giving blood. In turn, ABI will make a monetary donation of similar value to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It’s a chance to ‘doubly give’ for Arkansans 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.