The Network’s Civic Engagement Series at Community Blood Center of the Ozarks


On August 26, members of The Network for Springfield’s Young Professionals took part in a tour of the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) as part of The Network’s Civic Engagement Series. Anthony Roberts, executive director of CBCO, shared insights into the organization’s history and the vital role blood donation plays in our region.

CBCO’s mission is to provide high-quality blood supply promptly and affordably while remaining accountable to our local community, donors and healthcare providers. As the exclusive provider of blood products to over 40 hospitals across southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas and southeast Arkansas, CBCO ensures that patients receive the life-saving transfusions they need.

It takes approximately 200 blood donations every day to meet the demands of patients in our local hospitals. This is the equivalent of over 50,000 donations annually. Each donor contributes significantly to our community’s well-being.

Roberts also shared information regarding the Thank-The-Donor program. This program allows patients, family members, friends and healthcare workers to send an anonymous thank you card to blood donors. This allows donors to experience the lifelong impact that can be made by a 15-minute donation.

Individuals who are unable to donate blood can still support CBCO by hosting a blood drive or raising awareness about the critical need for donors. Together, the community has the power to save lives and support others through and beyond blood donation.  

Thank you to Community Blood Center of the Ozarks for hosting this experience for Young Professionals, along with Civic Engagement Series Presenting Sponsor Mediacom and Annual Sponsor OMB Bank.