What We Know: For the second time ever, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis. Across the nation, blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is feeling the pinch.
What This Means: With summer travel and illness, blood donations have been down by about 20% across the Ozarks. The decline leaves less blood on the shelves at hospitals when it’s needed. The CBCO is especially low on O negative blood.
To find a CBCO Donor Center or mobile blood drive near you and to make an appointment go to www.cbco.org.