Mena blood drive January 8

Mena Regional Health and Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) are starting off the new year by saving lives and inviting Mena-area residents to join by donating blood 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 8, at 311 North Morrow.

Blood donors will receive a free ball cap, health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable for merchandise in ABI’s online store.

If donors prefer, they can forgo the ball cap to support the Global Blood Fund. Arkansas Blood Institute will redirect funds for the ball caps to this charity assisting blood centers in developing countries.

“With the start of a new year and unanticipated weather, blood donations typically decline in the winter months,” said John Armitage, Arkansas Blood Institute president and CEO. “But the need for blood is constant, and patients in our community count on volunteer donors to fulfill that need.”

Arkansas Blood Institute exclusively provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 17 hospitals in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, thanks to its volunteer donors. 

Anyone, 16 years or older*, can typically donate blood.  To find out more or make an appointment to donate, call Marcia Fletcher at 479-652-2362 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.