Donors with Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) this fall will receive a T-shirt, health screenings and Donor Rewards Points, redeemable for merchandise in ABI’s online store, when they donate blood.
One in three people will need blood in a lifetime, so Mena Regional Health System will host a blood drive 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, October 11 at 311 North Morrow.
“ABI is very fortunate to have such loyal, giving blood donors,” said Dr. John Armitage, ABI president and CEO. “In order to maintain our three-day supply of blood, it is important for blood donors to donate as often as they are able.”
Blood donation can be made every 56 days and those who are 16 years old* and healthy are encouraged to give.
Because there is no substitute for blood, the supply must constantly be renewed. Although all blood types are needed, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.
Arkansas Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 17 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 2010, 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.
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