Blood donations are urgently needed for patients in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has less than a day to donate blood to patients in the region and is urging eligible donors to donate as soon as possible.

This is the worst shortage in more than two years, according to Michelle Teter, a spokesperson for CBCO. The blood bank is calling it “an emergency.”

She said there are a few reasons for the low inventory.

“One of them is that in May we saw the highest blood usage in hospitals in over 10 years,” Teter said.

It is not known what caused the increase, she said.

“Then the summers tend to be a little more challenging for the blood supply,” Teter explained. “And then you have blood donors who donate blood with other organizations, who collect blood here, but don’t provide it to the local hospitals.”

In a press release, Max Buetow, president and CEO of CoxHealth, said, “In critical situations, access to an adequate blood supply can be lifesaving. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks provides essential blood products for our patients and I encourage everyone to donate blood and support this vital cause. Your donation can make a big difference for the communities we serve.”

There is an added incentive to donate blood now. All donors in July will receive a plush “Chillin in the Ozarks” beach towel, while supplies last.

Donors can donate at one of four CBCO centers in Springfield and Joplin, Missouri and Bentonville and Springdale, Arkansas or at one of their mobile blood drives.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 417-227-5006 or visit cbco.org.