The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is issuing a critical appeal for all blood types.
The CBCO says increasing local usage and cancelled blood drives have resulted in a drop in area reserves to less than one day levels for all blood types.
The CBCO says eligible donors are urged to donate immediately.
Many of the organization’s mobile blood drives this month have been canceled or postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 3,000 donations were lost last month to similar circumstances.
In a press release from the CBCO, Executive Director Anthony Roberts says, “During the month of April, blood donors at our fixed site locations gave enough to get us through the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. But hospital usage was down significantly during that time, and now we are really challenged as hospitals increase their blood needs. We are still experiencing multiple cancellations of previously scheduled drives this month and a critical shortage is looming. We have always been transparent in sharing our needs with the region. Our message now is simple and important. Area patients need blood now. We must do our part to help our friends and neighbors. Please help if you can and please give to the sole local provider of blood in the region.”
Appointments are strongly suggested so that social distancing guidelines can be maintained and for optimal donor flow.
If you’re interested in donating, click here.
