A winter storm that affected Oklahoma this week is impacting its blood supply, and Arkansas Blood Institute is asking donors of all blood types to give as soon as possible to help the neighboring state.
In addition to Oklahoma's urgent need, canceled blood drives in western Arkansas due to illness have affected Arkansas' supply of blood, ABI said in a news release.
ABI provides blood for more than 40 hospitals statewide, including CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs, UAMS, Baptist Health Medical Center and Arkansas Heart Hospital. Some blood products are transported in from Fort Smith to supplement the need.
The news release said that, due to the urgency of the situation, it has extended its hours at its donor centers in Little Rock and Hot Springs. The centers will be open until 4 p.m. today.
Donors can also give blood at any mobile drive listed on ABI's website at http://www.arkbi.org.
Upcoming local mobile drives include:
• Monday -- 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Glen Rose High School, 14334 Highway 67.
• Tuesday -- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., National Park Medical Center, Maurice Room.
• March 4 -- 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Piney Grove United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 2963 Airport Road.
All donors will receive a free health screening, refreshments, learn their blood type, and earn Donor Reward Points, redeemable at the Donor Rewards Store in April, September and December. They will also receive a ticket to the Museum of Discovery and a choice of colorful T-shirts with slogans "Strong," "Bold" or "Fearless," while supplies last. Donors can forgo the shirt to benefit the Global Blood Fund; ABI will make a contribution of similar value to the fund.
Donors must be at least 16 years of age, feel healthy and have a photo I.D. Donors can give blood every eight weeks. Nearly 1,200 donors per day are needed to meet the blood needs of patients in regional hospitals, the release said.
"The urgency for patients is going to continue for the next several days until the inventory rebounds," Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of ABI, said in the release. "We know we can rely on our donors who have the reputation of having a heart for helping neighbors in need."
Appointments are not required but can be made by calling Bob Woodall at 501-282-6072, ABI at 877-340-8777, or by visiting ABI's website.
Regular hours for the Hot Springs Donor Center, located at 149 Section Line Road, in Keystone Crossing, are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Local on 02/24/2018