Red Cross hosting blood drive at Rogers Convention Center

Today at the Rogers Convention Center, the Red Cross is teaming up with 40/29 News and the Arkansas CW to host a blood drive. Donors can come give blood anytime today between 9am-2pm. Anyone who is able-bodied and healthy can participate.Red Cross leadership said during the summer months, they need donations more than ever. “It’s a tough time for us right now,” John Brimley, Red Cross communications manager said. “Especially during the summer months, were seeing a trend of low blood donor turn out. Blood is being given to the hospitals at a faster rate than we’re receiving collections.” They’re asking particularly people with more rare blood types, such as O-negative or B-negative blood to take a small portion of their day to come donate.”Type O-negative and type B-negative are universal blood supplies. Individuals who know they have those unique blood types, come out and give blood,” Brimley said. “Those are the types that when healthcare workers don’t have the chance to figure out a patient’s blood type, they can easily grab a type O-negative or B-negative to save a life.”The Red Cross is giving all blood donors from today’s blood drive the opportunity to win a 3-night stay in New York with an included diving experience at the Long Island Aquarium.