The UA Little Rock Staff Senate will hold a spring blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, in the gym inside the Donaghey Student Center Fitness Center. 

UA Little Rock Staff Senate is partnering with the Arkansas Blood Institute, a nonprofit blood center whose volunteer donors provide every drop of blood needed by patients in 32 Arkansas hospitals. The institute will also do free sickle cell trait testing for donors.

The Arkansas Blood Institute has less than half of the blood supply needed, threatening a critical blood shortage for local patients and creating an immediate need for blood donors.

“All indicators are pointing us in a dangerous direction,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute. “Over the last several weeks, donation numbers have dipped, which have left us struggling to keep stock levels necessary to protect our community. We need donors to respond immediately to help friends and neighbors using blood.”

All students, employees, and members of the public are welcome to donate. Those who would like to donate can make an appointment by visiting this link or calling 877-340-8777. Walk-in appointments are also welcome. All donors should wear a facemask and bring a photo ID.

In order to reduce waiting time by up to 15 minutes, donors can answer the pre-appointment questions online by visiting the Donor Express website on the day of their appointment.

All donors will receive a free t-shirt, a “My owner is a donor” pet bandana, and a ticket to the OKC Zoo.

For more information, contact Reed Claiborne, chair of the Blood Drive Committee, at 501-916-6104 or rhclaiborne@ualr.edu.