Mena blood drive

Mena-area residents can ‘share the love’ this February by donating blood with Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI). All donors at the Mena community blood drive, held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Parish Hall on 203 8th Street, Monday, February 27, from 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., will receive an ABI ice scraper, free health screenings and Donor Rewards Points.

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. 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.

“The need for blood is always constant. It’s not affected by the seasons or the thermostat,” said John Armitage, M.D., Arkansas Blood Institute president and CEO. “We appreciate the people in Arkansas who give of themselves to provide blood that could literally save someone’s life."

Although all blood types are needed to maintain ABI’s typical 3-day supply, 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, regardless of their type.

Blood donations can be made every 56 days. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Connie Olcott at 479-652-2362, Arkansas Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visit us at http://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.