Blood bank opens new operations center

A blood drive that runs until 6 p.m. today is part of a full day of special events to celebrate the grand opening of Community Blood Center of the Ozarks' new operations center at 220 W. Plainview Road.

Formerly a Summer Fresh grocery store, the facility underwent about $5 million in renovations. The move doubles CBCO's space to 66,309 square feet and provides more refrigerators and freezers for the blood products it provides to hospitals in 38 counties in southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas and southeast Kansas.

CBCO operations previously were based at 2230 S. Glenstone Ave.; the organization has downsized its leased space there to about 3,000 square feet and now uses it as a blood collection site.

CBCO kicked off its grand-opening festivities this morning by hosting Good Morning, Springfield! for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Other events this morning were a ribbon-cutting and dedication with CBCO and city leaders, tours and a Hall of Fame reception for new, current and former milestone donors, advocates and contributors.

Refreshments are being served at today's blood drive, held in the new center, and all participants will receive an ice scraper with snow brush.

See In Focus: Health Care in SBJ's Feb. 9 issue for more about CBCO's move.[[In-content Ad]]