Arkansas Blood Institute invites the community to participate in a blood drive in the south classrooms at Jefferson Regional Medical Center from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6. Donors will receive a free “Hog Wild” T-shirt.
Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old or older may donate blood. Sixteen year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; those 18 and older must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Arkansas Blood Institute relies solely on volunteer blood donors to meet the needs of patients at more than 30 hospitals and medical facilities statewide, including all major hospitals in Central Arkansas. There is no substitute for blood, and the donation process takes about an hour. Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.
Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by visiting arkbi.org or calling 877-340-8777.