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Critical Need For O Negative Blood At Community Blood Center Of The Ozarks

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The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks says there’s a critical need right now for O negative blood.  According to the blood center, “reserves are alarmingly low.”  That’s due in part to a significant increase in hospital usage over the past several months.  Over the past four months, hospital blood transfusion rates have increased more than 16 percent over the same time last year.

O Negative blood is a universal blood type, meaning anyone can receive it regardless of their blood type.

The CBCO says donors can give even if they’ve just received a COVID-19 vaccine.

There are donor centers in Springfield and Joplin, Missouri and Springdale and Bentonville, Arkansas.

To find out more about donating, visit cbco.org.

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.