Fingers Crossed for 2021 Waldron Donate and Receive a Free Long-Sleeved T-shirt

As Arkansans ring in the new year, Arkansas Blood Institute has its “fingers crossed” for 2021! Blood donors will receive a free, long-sleeved “2021 Fingers Crossed” t-shirt and a free pass to the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock.

Arkansas Blood Institute is hosting a blood drive with Waldron Community on Tuesday, January 5, from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Individuals ages sixteen and up are urged to give blood.

Appointments are preferred. Walk-ins will be managed as schedules allow. All donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies to identify potential convalescent plasma donors.*

Those who have recovered from COVID-19 may be eligible to donate convalescent plasma at this drive. Call 888-308-3924 or email [email protected] to make an appointment.

“Arkansans really did their part throughout a tough 2020 to ensure the local blood supply despite the numerous challenges, and we thank them for their selflessness,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute. “We urge you make a resolution to take just an hour out of your busy schedule to give the precious gift of life—and offer families hope, healing and comfort this new year.” 

Arkansas Blood Institute is the local, non-profit blood supplier, supporting the inventory for patients in more than 40 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.   

Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Arkansas Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion.

Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or visiting arkbi.org. More information on Arkansas Blood Institute can be found at arkbi.org.

*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.  Donors ages 16 or 17-years old need parental consent to be screened for COVID-19 antibodies and are not eligible to donate convalescent plasma. This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) for use by authorized laboratories. The test has been authorized only for the detection of the IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Test results will be made available post-donation.