CARTHAGE, Mo. – First responders from Carthage are uniting with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, plasma, and platelets to patients at more than 40 area hospitals, for the annual Carthage Boots, Badges and Bandages Community Challenge Blood Drive on June 24.
The blood drive will take place on Wednesday, June 24 at Carthage Memorial Hall, 407 S. Garrison. Drive hours are from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The Boots, Badges and Bandages Blood Drive is a fun event which provides an opportunity for the community to come together to support local patients and honor the everyday heroes who serve and protect. The Carthage first responders are joining forces to emphasize the importance of a local blood supply. Their shared goal is to save lives and strengthen the community they proudly serve. Bragging rights and a traveling trophy are awarded to the department with the strongest showing.
“Summer can be a challenging time for maintaining the blood supply, which makes community support more important than ever,” said Belinda Belk, CBCO Blood Drive Consultant. “We are grateful to the Carthage first responders for once again leading the Boots, Badges, and Bandages Community Challenge Blood Drive. As the sole provider for all southwest Missouri, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks relies on local donors to help ensure blood is available when emergencies happen. Every donation has the power to save lives right here at home, and this drive is a meaningful way for residents to step up and support their neighbors in need.”
All donors will receive a Give & Go Fun Pass worth over $245 in free admissions and activities to Fritz’s Adventure, Andy B’s, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and SuperSplash USA. Donors will also receive a special Boots, Badges and Bandages T-shirt, while supplies last.
Photo identification required. Please eat well and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating. Donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and may not have given blood in the past 56 days.
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 417-227-5006 or by visiting https://www.cbco.org/bootsandbadges/.
On behalf of local hospital patients, CBCO thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to your community.
