January 30, 2015 – Mena-area residents can ‘share the love’ this February by donating blood with Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI). Mena Regional Health System will host a blood drive Tuesday, February 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. All healthy adults, 16 and older*, are urged to make donation a top priority. Each donor will receive an appreciation item from the ABI Treasure Chest, free health screenings and Donor Rewards Points, redeemable online for gift certificates and merchandise.
Blood donors can choose to decline their appreciation items. In turn, the funds designated for this item will be directed to Global Blood Fun (GBF), a charity whose mission is to make safe blood available in the world’s poorest countries.
“The need for blood is constant. It’s not affected by the seasons or the thermostat,” said John Armitage, M.D., Arkansas Blood Institute president and CEO. “We appreciate those in our community who show brotherly love by giving blood to literally save someone’s life.”
While all blood types are needed to maintain ABI’s typical three-day supply, those with negative type blood are especially urged to donate. Only 18 percent of the population has negative blood types, but those with these types must have negative type blood when needed. One single donation can save as many as three lives.
Donors with Arkansas Blood Institute give every drop of blood needed by patients in 18 hospitals in western and south central Arkansas.
Appointments to give at the blood drive are available by calling Greg Womack at 479-652-2362 or visiting arkbi.org.
*16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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