Give the Gift of Life: Donate Blood and Receive a Cozy Blanket from Community Blood Center of the Ozarks

Rolla, Missouri - December 11, 2025 – Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at more than 40 hospitals, encourages community members to wrap up the year by saving lives. Give the gift of life by donating at the blood drive at Phelps Health on Monday, December 22. Donors will receive a limited-edition cozy fleece blanket, while supplies last.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Phelps Health, as well as over 40 other healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. Rolla area residents will have the opportunity to donate at the following location:

Phelps Health
Dining Room 2
1000 W. 10^th Street, Rolla
Monday, December 22 – 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM

“The need for blood often increases during the winter months and holiday season” said Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative at CBCO. “In just one hour, you can give the most meaningful gift of the season, the gift of life. Every donation offers hope, healing, and a second chance at life. Your selfless gift lingers long after the holidays, and it may be the reason someone gets to go home to their family.”
 
CBCO is encouraging all eligible donors to give blood. While all blood types are needed, there is an increased need for type O positive, O negative and A negative due to higher hospital usage and the recent Thanksgiving holiday. First-time donors and those who have not given recently are urged to schedule an appointment to help maintain a strong and steady blood supply for local patients.

Appointments are strongly encouraged to help reduce wait times. To schedule a donation, visit https://www.cbco.org/donate-blood/ or call 417-227-5006.

On behalf of local hospital patients, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to your community. CBCO wishes all donors a holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and peace.