Blood drive at NPCC

National Park Community College is partnering with Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) to ask all area residents to give blood. Monday, March 25 and Tuesday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., a blood drive will occur at the Frederick Dierks Building on 101 College Drive, Hot Springs. Those who are healthy and 16 years* or older can typically donate. This drive is sponsored by the Health Sciences Division and Hot Springs National Park Rotary Club who will provide free food, drinks and drawings for great prizes.

John Armitage, M.D., ABI president and CEO, says March poses challenges in meeting area hospitals’ needs.  “Spring Break is exciting for those enjoying time away. But the need for blood never takes a break!  There is no substitute, and patients in urgent need during March cannot wait.” 

By donating blood, donors can feel good about helping to save someone else’s life. As an added bonus, each blood donor receives an ABI T-shirt, free health screenings and Donor Reward Points.

Additionally, if blood donors choose to forgo the T-shirts, funds designated for those will be directed to Global Blood Fund.  This charity’s mission is to support struggling blood centers in underdeveloped countries.  In those areas, equipment and supplies to allow people to donate often aren’t available. 

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, regardless of type.

Serving 14 different hospitals, Arkansas Blood Institute exclusively provides all blood needed by those in western Arkansas. For more information or to make an appointment, call Bob Woodall at 501-282-6072, Arkansas Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visit 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.