The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will be on the U. Arkansas campus at the end of July to collect blood that will be sent to hospitals in northwest Arkansas.
A registered student organization since October, the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) will be stationed on the sidewalk east of the Union July 19, 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“People should donate blood to save lives, we can’t substitute human blood. We don’t have any way to process it, to make it,” said Lora Johnson, donor recruiter. “One donation can save three lives.”
CBC differs from other organizations that collect blood on campus since the organization solely sends the donations to 38 counties in our area, including Washington Regional Hospital.
To keep up with the need in our area, CBCO needs to collect 300 units of blood every day. The goal on campus for July is to collect 100 units, Johnson said. Though during the school year the numbers are usually a lot more.
“We have a lot more students that are gone, high school and college, and a lot of our blood supply, 25 percent, is from schools. With the students being gone it makes the summer brutal,” she said.
To donate blood, UA students or faculty must bring his or her ID, be 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and be healthy.
Though most people believe they can’t donate for various reasons, they usually can and shouldn’t let fear stop them, Johnson said.
“Just remember, the person who is receiving the blood is probably in a lot worse shape and a lot more scared than you are,” she said. “It’s something that makes you feel good about yourself, because you know that somebody really needs it and we can’t make it any other way. You’re saving lives. “
Johnson suggests eating healthy, drinking lots of water and getting rest before donating. Pizza and a free t-shirt will be given to all donors.
CBCO will be back on campus for another blood drive Aug. 25 and 26 in Humphreys Hall from 12 to 6 p.m. and Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 1 in the Union Ballroom from from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To learn more about the Community Blood Center visit cbc.org or email nwablood@uark.edu to volunteer.