Winter storm causes shortage in blood donor reserves, blood drive set for Feb. 9 on Fayetteville downtown square

Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

The city will host a blood drive inside the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks’ “bloodmobile” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9 on the Fayetteville downtown square.

The hope is that eligible blood donors will help refill blood reserve levels, which dropped sharply during the severe winter storm last week, according to a news release. Officials said more than 500 donations were lost due to drive cancellations and donor center closures.

The center is the sole provider of blood and plasma to the 44 area healthcare facilities.

From the CBCO:

Blood usage in area hospitals remains high. January’s transfusion numbers were the highest in the last three years. Blood usage doesn’t stop when a major weather events occurs. It takes around 200 donations each day to fulfill local needs.

Donors will receive a free long-sleeve, quarter-zip pullover as a thank you. Appointments, which are strongly encouraged to manage donor flow, can be made online at CBCO.org.

Masks are required, and will be provided for those without one.

A QuickPass system is available to start the registration process before arriving at the blood drive. The system will save time and eliminate the need to touch CBCO tablets to complete the necessary information.

» Schedule an appointment here
» Access the QuickPass system here