A blood donation campaign returning to southwest Missouri this fall will reward eligible donors with free admission to Dickerson Park Zoo and a limited-edition T-shirt.
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks and Dickerson Park Zoo are partnering for the annual "Go Wild. Give Blood" promotion, according to a community announcement. People who donate blood between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31 will receive a voucher for two free general admissions to the Springfield zoo, valued at $38, and an otter-themed T-shirt while supplies last.
The promotion is designed to encourage blood donations that help hospitals maintain supplies for trauma patients, cancer treatments, surgeries, premature births and other medical needs. Community Blood Center of the Ozarks supplies blood products
to more than 40 hospitals across southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas and southeast Kansas and requires about 200 donations each day to meet demand, according to the announcement.
Donors can give blood at Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donor centers in Springfield and Joplin, Missouri, Bentonville and Springdale, Arkansas, or through mobile blood drives across the region.
Michelle Teter, media relations representative for Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, said that the campaign highlights the impact blood donors can have on local patients.
"There are so many reasons you ‘otter’ give blood," Teter said in the announcement. "Every donation has the power to help save the life of a neighbor, friend or loved one. We are excited to once again partner with Dickerson Park Zoo to encourage our community to go wild about saving lives. Whether you are a first-time donor or a longtime supporter, your donation makes a difference for local patients while earning a fun day at one of the Ozarks' favorite attractions."
Partnership aims to support regional blood supply
Joey Powell, public relations and marketing director for Dickerson Park Zoo, said that the zoo is continuing its partnership with the blood center to support patients throughout the region.
"We are proud to continue our partnership with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks in support of local patients," Powell said in the announcement. "Caring for others is at the heart of what we do, whether it is providing exceptional care for the animals that call Dickerson Park Zoo home or encouraging our community to help save lives through blood donation. We hope this promotion inspires people to stick out a paw, roll up a sleeve and make a lifesaving difference."
More information about donation locations, operating hours and appointment scheduling is available at cbco.org or by calling 417-227-5006.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Blood donors can earn zoo admission during Ozarks drive
