ABI hosting ‘beef up’ blood supply drive

Little Rock, Arkansas – Short before the Labor Day weekend, the Arkansas Blood Institute is asking for donors to donate blood.

On Tuesday, the ABI announced that those who choose to donate before the holiday will enjoy a tailgate party at some of their donor centers. The tailgate event will be a one- or two-day event depending on the location of the event.

On Thursday and Friday, donors will be gifted a Bigfoot t-shirt, a ticket to the Little Rock Zoo, and an all-beef hotdog. This is so the blood supply gets ‘beefed up’ prior to the holiday weekend. In addition to receiving those gifts, donors will also get the chance to win a $20 gas card or a vintage ABI t-shirt.

Participating ABI Donor Centers include:

• Ft. Smith Donor Center, 5300 South “U” (participating Sept. 1 and Sept. 2)
• Russellville Donor Center, 1003 West Main (participating Sept. 1)
• Hot Springs Donor Center, 149 Section Line Road (participating Sept. 2)
• North Little Rock Donor Center, 4548 John F. Kennedy Blvd. (participating Sept. 2)

According to the news release, people typically do not make the time to donate blood around holiday weekends.

“Although we have fun with this event, saving the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors is a serious matter,” said Dr. John Armitage, president, and CEO of ABI. “We want to encourage donors to take time before Labor Day Weekend to help us prepare for any emergency that may occur.”

Those who are 16 and older and weigh at least 125 pounds are eligible to give blood.

For more information on the ABI call (877) 340-8777.