The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has issued an emergency appeal for blood types A and O. "Reserves are alarmingly low, with less than a one-day supply available,” according to a news release.
CBCO spokesman, Chris Pilgrim, said the shortage is due to a downturn in donations and an increase in blood transfusions in area hospitals. He said transfusion numbers in April at the hospitals they serve were the highest they've seen since 2015.
To encourage people to donate blood, the CBCO is offering donors that give between now and May 21 a $5.00 gift card redeemable through CBCO’s LifePoints online donor portal.
Learn more about donating at cbco.org or call 417-227-5000.
