Blood Drive happening in Polk County

by Ethan Nahté

The Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) will be rolling into Polk County the final week of March and first week of April, with their Turn Up The Volume theme. Donors will have a T-shirt choice between either a country or rock ‘n’ roll music-themed T-shirt, plus one free ticket to either the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City or the OKC Zoo.

To expedite giving blood, donors may schedule an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome. To see the available schedule, visit arkbio.org, search the schedule by zip code and locations will appear with dates and times. In the right-hand column will be a link to the schedules.

Locations include:

Walmart – Mena, March 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Healthy Connections – Mena, March 28, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Mena Regional Health System, March 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cossatot River High School, April 4, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

According to the Arkbi website, winter weather and resulting blood drive cancelations severely impacted the supply of life-saving blood. New eligibility rules have been implemented. Many veterans, healthcare workers and other civic minded individuals who were disqualified in the past are now cleared to donate again.

Changes include time spent outside of North America and time deferral periods related to piercings, tattoos, blood transfusions, travel to malarial-endemic areas, and accidental needle sticks.

Additionally, many donors are unsure if they can donate with some common health conditions. Diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid disease are often not obstacles to giving blood. Donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) face no waiting time before giving blood or platelets.

Arkansas Blood Institute has set up a hotline for donors who are unsure of their eligibility. Donors are asked to call 405-419-1538 with questions about their eligibility. Answers to frequently asked questions are listed at arkbi.org/blood-donation/can-i-donate

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