Two upcoming blood drives scheduled in Ozark County

Officials with the American Red Cross say the blood supply is still recovering from severe winter storms earlier in March that forced more than 270 blood drives to be canceled throughout the country, resulting in more than 9,500 “uncollected” blood and platelet donations in the first two weeks of the month. While the blood supply fluctuates, the need remains for blood to help cancer patients, those undergoing surgeries, trauma patients and others, the Red Cross says.
Upcoming blood drives in Ozark County will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Gainesville High School, and from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, at the First Baptist Church on Second Street in Gainesville.
All blood types are needed. Walk-in volunteers are welcome, but donors are encouraged to make an appointment to save time. Use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit the website RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.