Cox Medical Center Branson hosting blood drive Sept. 16

Free umbrella for each participant

Blood donors who give Friday, Sept. 16 at Cox Medical Center Branson will receive a free umbrella from CoxHealth, while supplies last. Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will host the drive from noon to 6 p.m. in the Tree Rooms at Cox Medical Center Branson, 525 Branson Landing Blvd.

In addition to receiving a free umbrella, donors have the opportunity to earn LifePoints through Community Blood Center of the Ozarks’ LifePoints reward program. Points may be redeemed online for gift items and gift cards from merchants or donated to support a local charity.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all of the blood for patients at 39 area hospitals, including Cox Medical Center Branson.

Every seven minutes on average, a transfusion takes place and it takes approximately 230 donations each day to meet the area’s blood needs.

To be eligible to give blood, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and present a valid photo ID. Anyone planning to give is encouraged to eat well and drink plenty of fluids prior to the blood drive. For more information about the blood drive, please visit cbco.org or call 800-280-5337.

To give blood on Sept. 16, simply stop by the Tree Rooms at Cox Medical Center Branson between noon and 6 p.m.