Go Wild about saving lives during CBCO and Dickerson Park Zoo’s annual blood donation promotion

JOPLIN, Mo. (Aug. 26, 2026) – Go wild about saving lives this fall. Dickerson Park Zoo and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) are teaming up once again to encourage lifesaving blood donations during the annual “Go Wild. Give Blood” promotion throughout September and October. 

Successful donors who give blood between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31 will receive a voucher for two free general admissions to Dickerson Park Zoo, a $38 value, along with a limited-edition otter themed T-shirt while supplies last.

Every blood donation helps ensure local hospitals have the lifesaving blood they need for patients facing trauma, cancer treatments, surgeries, premature births and other medical emergencies. Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is the sole supplier of blood, platelets and plasma to more than 40 hospitals across southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas and southeast Kansas and requires approximately 200 blood donations every day to meet the needs of local patients.

Donations may be made at any CBCO donor center in Joplin or Springfield, Missouri, Bentonville or Springdale, Arkansas, or at any CBCO mobile blood drive throughout the region.

"There are so many reasons you ‘otter’ give blood," said Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative for Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. "Every donation has the power to help save the life of a neighbor, friend or loved one. We are excited to once again partner with Dickerson Park Zoo to encourage our community to go wild about saving lives. Whether you are a first-time donor or a longtime supporter, your donation makes a difference for local patients while earning a fun day at one of the Ozarks' favorite attractions."

"We are proud to continue our partnership with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks in support of local patients," said Joey Powell, Public Relations and Marketing Director for Dickerson Park Zoo.

"Caring for others is at the heart of what we do, whether it is providing exceptional care for the animals that call Dickerson Park Zoo home or encouraging our community to help save lives through blood donation. We hope this promotion inspires people to stick out a paw, roll up a sleeve and make a lifesaving difference."

For more information about donation locations, hours, and to schedule an appointment, visit www.cbco.org/zoo or call 417-227-5006.

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About Dickerson Park Zoo

Dickerson Park Zoo is where animals and people connect. It’s an adventure of discovery where friends, families and students of all ages can get outdoors and explore the beauty of the Ozarks while seeing and learning about animals around the world. The giraffe feeding deck and petting zoo provide up close encounters and help with the zoo’s efforts to educate the public and protect animals worldwide.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks 30 Years of Lifesaving Service
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is the sole provider of blood, plasma, and platelets to patients at more than 40 area Ozark hospitals in northwest Arkansas, southwest Missouri, and southeast Kansas. More than 60,000 donations of blood are required each year to meet the local transfusion needs of our friends and neighbors. For more information, visit CBCO.org