Give blood on Flag Day

Blood donors can ‘FEEL WILD’ about giving Thursday, June 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at an Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) summer blood drive. Hot Springs Village POA will sponsor the community event at the Ponce Center on 1101 DeSoto Boulevard, Room A.

Donors will experience the incredibly wild satisfaction of saving up to three peoples’ lives! Each will receive a T-shirt, featuring zoo wildlife.

“Summer is a time for fun,” said John Armitage, M.D., ABI president and CEO, “but first, we can ease concerns for those in our area who rely on blood donors by taking just an hour to give.”

Since as many as three patients’ lives in area hospitals are saved each time someone gives blood, donors can always feel good. Arkansas Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 17 counties, including National Park Medical Center and Mercy Hospital Hot Springs.

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years of age* can usually give blood, and donations can be made every 56 days. Health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable in ABI’s online store, are also provided to donors.

Through a special initiative to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, any donor can forgo the T-shirt offered in appreciation for giving. In turn, Arkansas Blood Institute will make a monetary donation of similar value to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. It’s a chance to ‘doubly give’ to pediatric medical research, community outreach and treatment initiatives for the children of Arkansas and through the life-saving gift of blood.

To schedule an appointment, call 877-340-8777, or visit 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.