(West Plains, MO) Ozarks Healthcare is teaming up with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) to turn blood donation into a lifesaving – and fun – summer activity.
On Friday, August 22, area residents are invited to roll up their sleeves at a community blood drive being held at Ozarks Healthcare’s Parkway Center in the Willard Hunter Classroom, located at 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains, from noon to 6 p.m.
To thank donors, CBCO is offering a free limited-edition “Go Wild” T-shirt and a voucher for two general admission tickets to the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield — a $38 value, available while supplies last.
The need for blood donations remains critical. Every seven minutes, someone in the Ozarks requires a blood transfusion, and a single donation can help up to three patients. Donations collected by CBCO help supply more than 40 hospitals across the region, including Ozarks Healthcare.
How to Prepare and Participate:
To minimize wait times, appointments are encouraged. Donors can sign up by calling 417-227-5006 or visiting www.cbco.org/donate-blood.
Before donating, individuals are encouraged to:
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Drink plenty of water or juice the night before and the morning of the drive,
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Eat a balanced meal 2–3 hours prior,
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Bring a photo ID, now required for all donors.
Whether you’re a longtime donor or new to giving blood, this summer is the perfect time to save lives — and earn a wild day at the zoo. Join Ozarks Healthcare and CBCO in giving the gift of life.
