September 17 blood drive

All healthy Hot Springs Village-area residents are encouraged to donate blood with Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) and save as many as three lives.  A blood drive, sponsored by Hot Springs Village Coronado Center, will occur from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in room five.

Each donor will receive a blood donor T-shirt, health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable for items in ABI’s online store. Through a special initiative to support the Global Blood Fund (GBF), any donor can forgo the T-shirt.  In turn, funds so designated will be contributed to GBF, a nonprofit that provides blood center technology and supplies to struggling blood centers around the world so they can meet local needs through voluntary blood donation.

“Someone needs blood every two seconds, and since blood can only be used for 42 days, we constantly need people to donate,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute.  “This ongoing need is why we are asking Hot Springs Village- area residents to come to this blood drive and give.”  

Because there is 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 (AABB), those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used in any emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.

Arkansas Blood Institute exclusively provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 20 hospitals in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, thanks to its volunteer donors. 

Anyone, 16 years or older*, can typically donate blood.  Blood can be given every 56 days. Appointments are not required but can be made at arkbi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. 

*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