Media Inquiries
Our Community Relations staff is available 24 hours a day to respond to media inquiries. Contact Leslie Gamble, Community Relations Director, at 405-278-3119 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with questions or to schedule an interview.
ABI – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
April 23, 2012 - Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) is actively seeking volunteers. Opportunities for camaraderie, community service and skill development exist in offices, donor centers and at mobile blood drives. Flexible times and a variety of medically-related and administrative roles are available. Anyone 16 or older can inquire about volunteering with Arkansas Blood Institute.
Some volunteers are loyal blood donors and want to help in additional ways. Others are not able to give blood but realize its life-saving importance. Through volunteer roles, they greatly contribute to Arkansas Blood Institute’s live-saving mission.
“We value our volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and interests,” said John Armitage, M.D., Arkansas Blood Institute president and CEO. “Together, they give in a variety of fulfilling roles and also contribute a positive spirit that’s unsurpassed!”
Click here, for information about volunteer opportunities in your area.
Spring Is A Great Time To Give
March 1, 2012 ─ Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) encourages all healthy adults, 16 and older*, to donate blood during March to save the lives of those in our community hospitals. All blood donors will receive an insulated travel cup, free health screenings and Donor Rewards Points. “This month—especially with spring break—fewer people typically donate,” said John Armitage, Arkansas Blood Institute president and CEO. “But the blood needs for patients in our local hospitals remains.”
Additionally, if blood donors choose to forgo the donor appreciation item, funds designated for this item will be directed to our partnering organization, the American Heart Association. Arkansas Blood Institute and the American Heart Association (AHA) share a common goal, to keep people healthy. The American Heart Association wants everyone to know their numbers and act on them. That’s the first step in changing cardiovascular health statistics. Because blood donors receive a mini health check, including blood pressure and cholesterol results, every time they come to donate, those numbers are readily available to each donor.
Although all blood types are needed to maintain ABI’s typical 3-day supply, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation, regardless of type.
Schedule your donation today at our donor center in Fort Smith or Hot Springs or at a mobile drive near you.
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
‘Share the love’ this February
February 1, 2012 ─ ‘Share the love’ this February by donating blood with Arkansas Blood Institute ABI. All donors in February will receive an ABI ice scraper, free health screenings and Donor Rewards Points.
Additionally, if blood donors choose to forgo the donor appreciation item, funds designated for this item will be directed to our partnering organization, the American Heart Association. Arkansas Blood Institute and the American Heart Association (AHA) share a common goal, to keep people healthy. The American Heart Association wants everyone to know their numbers and act on them. That’s the first step in changing cardiovascular health statistics. Because blood donors receive a mini health check, including blood pressure and cholesterol results, every time they come to donate, those numbers are readily available to each donor.
“As the winter months come to a close, it’s important for donors to continue giving,” said John Armitage, Arkansas Blood Institute president and CEO. “The weather remains unpredictable, but the need for blood remains steady.”
Although all blood types are needed to maintain ABI’s typical 3-day supply, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation, regardless of their type.
Blood donations can be made every 56 days. Arkansas Blood Institute is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America, providing every drop of blood needed by patients in more than 16 medical facilities in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.
Schedule an appointment at on of our donor centers or at a mobile drive, today!
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
National Blood Donor Month
January 1, 2012 - Arkansas Blood Institute volunteer blood donors save lives. We all know it, but how often are we affected by it? Thousands of people in our state are alive today because blood donors helped them survive accidents, surgeries, chemotherapies or other serious health threats. Arkansas Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 17 hospitals in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma thanks to its volunteer donors.
For instance, patients like Lauryn Watkins. Lauryn is a vibrant six-year old girl with a contagious smile and inspiring attitude. But in February of 2010, Lauryn’s family was faced with devastating news: Lauryn was diagnosed with Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It began with symptoms similar to a sinus infection. Rounds of antibiotics provided no relief, and intense leg pains were so terrible at times, Lauryn was forced to crawl.
After two bone marrow biopsies, numerous spinal taps, doses of intense chemotherapy drugs and blood transfusions, Lauryn’s cancer is now in remission, and her treatment is in the maintenance stage.
In August of 2011, Lauryn and her family were able to meet three of the six donors whose blood Lauryn had received. As with all ABI donors, they gave not knowing who would receive their blood, or what kind of impact it would have.
“I remember the first time Lauryn received blood and all the many thoughts and questions that were racing through my mind,” said Sherri Ellis, Lauryn’s mom. “It was such an honor to shake the hands and hug the necks of the individuals who took the time to donate blood to a complete stranger, someone you never expected to meet.”
Thanks to volunteer blood donors, Lauryn now enjoys dance, gymnastics, school and friends.
January is National Blood Donor Month – the perfect time for first-time blood donors and those who donate regularly, to remember the reason for giving blood and the impact we all can make for families like Lauryn’s.
All healthy adults are encouraged to give blood. Age and weight criteria:
- 16 years old; ≥ 125 lbs. with parental consent
- 17 years old; ≥ 125 lbs.
- 18 years or older; ≥ 110 lbs.
Getting older does not make people ineligible to donate. People who feel well and can do normal day-to-day activities can probably donate. People can give blood every 56 days.
The need for blood is constant. Patients in Arkansas hospitals have needs 365 days a year, whether it’s for scheduled treatments or for emergencies. Since there is no substitute for human blood, supplies must be constantly renewed.
Find a blood drive near you or visit one of our donor centers to give blood.
Help save the life of someone in our community hospitals!
November 1, 2011 ─ Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) encourages you to donate blood to save the lives of patients in our community hospitals. Each blood donor will also receive a blood donor T-shirt, free health screenings and Donor Rewards Points, redeemable at ABI’s online store.
Donors at this drive can also support the Global Blood Fund. If a blood donor chooses to forgo the donor appreciation item, funds designated for that item will be redirected to a partnering organization. It’s a chance to “doubly give” by providing a blood donation and supporting research and treatment initiatives in developing countries around the world.
“Although all blood types are needed to maintain ABI’s typical 3-day supply, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate,” states John Armitage, M. D., Arkansas Blood Institute President and CEO. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation, regardless of type.
Whole blood donations can be made every 56 days. Arkansas Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 17 hospitals in the River Valley thanks to its volunteer donors. Arkansas Blood Institute is affiliated with Oklahoma Blood Institute, the ninth largest, independent nonprofit blood center in the nation. Arkansas Blood Institute was formed at this time to reflect the local commitment to providing for people in the region.
Schedule an appointment at a blood drive near you or one of our donor centers!
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Make Blood Donation a Priority This Fall
October 1, 2011 ─ Donors with Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) this fall will receive a T-shirt, health screenings and Donor Rewards Points, redeemable for merchandise in ABI’s online store, when they donate blood. Anyone who is generally healthy and 16 or older* can donate blood.
“ABI is very fortunate to have such loyal, giving blood donors,” said Dr. John Armitage, ABI president and CEO. “In order to maintain our three-day supply of blood, it is important for blood donors to donate as often as they are able.”
Donors can also support the Global Blood Fund by forgoing the T-shirt offered for donating blood. In this way, donor can doubly give – both by donating life-saving blood used locally, and by assisting blood centers in developing countries with supplies.
Although all blood types are needed, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.
Arkansas Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 17 hospitals in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma thanks to its volunteer donors. Since 1958, those needing blood in the area have counted on mobile blood drives and donor centers in Fort Smith and Hot Springs to ensure there is an adequate blood supply. In October 2010, it became an affiliate of Oklahoma Blood Institute after previously partnering with United Blood Services. Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, independent nonprofit blood center in the nation. Arkansas Blood Institute was formed at this time to reflect the local commitment to providing for people in the region.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact Arkansas Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or click here to schedule online.
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Donors save up to three lives
September 1, 2011 ─ Donors this fall will not only be saving up to three lives with each donation, they’ll also receive a T-shirt, health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable for items in ABI’s online store.
“Patients have needs 365-days-a-year,” said Dr. John Armitage, ABI president and CEO. “We are grateful to our donors and drive sponsors for encouraging blood donation this fall.”
Because there is no substitute for blood, the supply must constantly be renewed. Although all blood types are needed, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.
Arkansas Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 17 hospitals in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma thanks to its volunteer donors. Since 1958, those needing blood in the area have counted on mobile blood drives and donor centers in Fort Smith and Hot Springs to ensure there is an adequate blood supply. In October, it became an affiliate of Oklahoma Blood Institute after previously partnering with United Blood Services. Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, independent nonprofit blood center in the nation. Arkansas Blood Institute was formed at this time to reflect the local commitment to providing for people in the region.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact Arkansas Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or schedule an appointment online now.
*16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
“Blood Thanks & Giving Day” August 2
July 19, 2011 ─ Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) encourages Arkansans to participate in “Blood Thanks & Giving Day” Tuesday, August 2. This is a day to celebrate those whose lives have been saved by loyal, blood donors.
Anyone who has received blood is encouraged to show gratitude by sharing the story of how blood donation affected his/her life. When blood recipients fill out cards to share the stories at Arkansas Blood Institute donor centers, not only will they be an encouragement to blood donors, but will also receive “I’m Alive Thanks to A Blood Donor” T-shirts.
Those, 16 and older, and generally, in good health, can donate blood. Blood can be donated every 56 days.
One blood donation can save up to three peoples’ lives. Yet, of those eligible to donate blood in the U.S., less than ten percent actually donate each year.
“Blood given with Arkansas Blood Institute meets the needs of those in western Arkansas communities,” said Dr. John Armitage, Arkansas Blood Institute president and CEO. “So blood donors know they are saving the lives of their friends, family and co-workers. Some may have no idea they will need blood in an urgent situation.”
People who have had surgeries and returned to good health can donate blood as early as two weeks after their procedures. Those who receive blood during surgery can give blood after a year. Cancer survivors can donate just one year after being cancer free, except for those who have had hematologic blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Schedule an appointment to donate blood!
Arkansas Blood Institute and the Tulsa Zoo Team Up to Help Patients “Feel Strong”
June 1, 2011 – Blood donors aren’t the only ones who “feel strong” when they donate with Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI). Patients who rely on blood from local donors also feel strong knowing blood is available, if needed.
The Tulsa Zoo has joined ABI this summer by providing a voucher, good for two tickets to the Tulsa Zoo, for each donor.
Along with saving up to three lives with a blood donation, donors will receive a T-shirt, featuring the Zoo’s popular Asian elephants. Health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable in ABI’s online store, are also provided.
“We are very grateful for such loyal blood donors,” said Dr. John Armitage, ABI President and CEO. “And we are also very appreciative to the Tulsa Zoo for being great community partners.”
Anyone who is healthy and 16 years of age can donate,* and donations can be made every 56 days.
Arkansas Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 16 hospitals in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma thanks to its volunteer donors. Since 1958, those needing blood in the area have counted on mobile blood drives and donor centers in Fort Smith and Hot Springs to ensure there is an adequate blood supply. In October, it became an affiliate of Oklahoma Blood Institute after previously partnering with United Blood Services. Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, independent nonprofit blood center in the nation. Arkansas Blood Institute was formed at this time to reflect the local commitment to providing for people in the region.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact Arkansas Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visit us at http://www.arkbi.org.
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
