JOPLIN, Mo. – Community Blood Center of The Ozarks (CBCO) declares a State of Emergency for the local blood supply.

Severe winter weather over the last two weeks causes most mobile blood drives to be cancelled, resulting in the loss of almost 1,000 potential donations.

Eligible donors are strongly urged to give immediately at a CBCO donor center or blood drive near them.

Joplin area residents will have the opportunity to help the blood supply at an emergency blood drive Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Freeman Business Center.

Donors may also give at CBCO’s Joplin Donor Center inside the Northpark Mall.

Successful donors that give now through February 20 will receive a $10.00 gift card redeemable through the LifePoints Local donor portal at www.cbco.org and receive a T-shirt, while supplies last.