Opportunity to give blood for the holidays

Hot Springs Village Coronado Center invites all warm-hearted Hot Springs Village-area residents to give blood 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, December 27 at 150 Ponderosa Lane. Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) will reward each donor’s giving spirit with an ice scraper and a limited edition, long-sleeved UA bowl t-shirt. Anyone who is healthy and 16 years or older can donate.*

“Residents of Arkansas are warm-hearted, giving people who respond when they know of needs in their communities,” said John Armitage, M.D., Arkansas Blood Institute president and CEO. “During the winter months, we especially ask people to take an hour to provide life-saving blood for someone who will need it just to make it through the day. Who knows? It could be a co-worker, neighbor, or even a member of our own family we are helping.”

Additionally, if blood donors choose to forgo the donor appreciation item, funds designated for this item will be directed to our partnering organization, the American Heart Association. Arkansas Blood Institute and the American Heart Association (AHA) share a common goal, to keep people healthy. According to Debbie Hite, Senior Executive Director of the Central Oklahoma American Heart Association, “The American Heart Association wants everyone to know their numbers and act on them. That’s the first step in changing cardiovascular health statistics.” Because blood donors receive a mini health check, including blood pressure and cholesterol results, every time they come to donate, those numbers are readily available to each donor.

Since there’s 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 emergency need when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate, contact Arkansas Blood Institute at (877) 340-8777. Donors always receive free health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable for merchandise from ABI’s online store.

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