Arkansas Blood Institute is experiencing an emergency blood shortage and is issuing an urgent call for donors of all blood types.
Widespread illness, including a flu outbreak, blood drive cancellations, and several days of winter weather in the region, have all contributed to a sharp downturn in donations. Levels have reached a less than one-day supply. Typically, Arkansas Blood Institute maintains a supply for three to five days for local hospitals.
Arkansas Blood Institute is encouraging all healthy adults, age 16 and older, to donate blood as soon as you can. Schedule an appointment to give blood, by calling 1-877-340-8777 or visit arkbi.org to see a list of donor centers and mobile blood drives. Donors age 16 must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; age 17 must weigh at least 125 pounds; ages 18+ must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Volunteer donors with Arkansas Blood Institute exclusively provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 40 hospitals and medical facilities statewide.
More information about Arkansas Blood Institute can be found at arkbi.org.