We're all experiencing a lot of "firsts" during COVID-19. Working from home. Schooling from home. Social Distancing. Face Masks. I recently had a first-time experience of giving blood at the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. And it was nothing like I thought it would be! I've never given blood before for a multitude of reasons. But the driving force was fear. I was afraid it would hurt. I was afraid I'd pass out. I wasn't sure I could sit in one place for too long. It turns out that none of those of those fears were warranted.
Giving blood is considered an essential activity and a good way to help the community during this time, so I decided to give it a shot. I made my appointment online at www.cbco.org and I took advantage of their Quick Pass option so I could fill out all of the paperwork online and save more time during my visit. When I arrived, they took my temperature to make sure I didn't have a fever. I was taken to a room for a quick, confidential screening with a mini-physical to check my blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron level. And then I was off to the donation chair! I was so surprised that the actual donation process was only about 10 minutes. So fast! Needless to say the book I brought with me to read was never opened. I had a snack and some juice following the donation and after I was certain I was feeling fine, I was on my way home, less than an hour from the time I left. It was quick and painless and the staff at CBCO made me feel so comfortable and truly eased my fears. But best of all, I helped save a life with my donation! And that felt really good! Now that I've overcome my fear, I'm certain I will be a blood donor for life. I just wish I hadn't waited so long to give.
If you've never given blood, I encourage you to do it. And this week is the perfect time to go if you need a little extra incentive. The "Step Up To The Plate Blood Drive" with the Springfield Cardinals is happening this week at CBCO's Springfield Donor Center, 220 W. Plainview Road. Now through Friday, as a thank you for your donation, you can receive one of several gift packs from the Springfield Cardinals and other local businesses, while supplies last. This drive is by appointment only so that social distancing guidelines may be maintained. To schedule your appointment, call 417-227-5006 or click here. There is not a better time to give!
And if you'd like to learn more about what to expect from your first time of giving, click here. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors are the sole suppliers of blood to patients at all the hospitals in Southwest Missouri, Northwest Arkansas and Southeast Kansas. It is important now more than ever for local donors to provide relief and their lifesaving gift for local patients.