Arabia Steamboat Museum Admission Discount When Donating Blood

In order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all blood types must be continually replenished. Right now, reserves are far below that minimum.

Photo: Chris Mullins

The Community Blood Center (CBC) is hosting a blood drive at the City Market on  May 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the atrium at the Arabia Steamboat Museum (home of the big paddlewheel). All donors will receive a voucher for Buy One Get One FREE admission or 50% off the price of a single admission to the Arabia Steamboat Museum. The admission discount can be redeemed at a later date when the attraction reopens. The Arabia Steamboat Museum is a time capsule of life on the American frontier featuring daily artifacts from mid-19th century recovered from the sunken boat.

To donate blood, make an appointment online or call 877-468-6844. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

During the blood drive the following protocols will be observed.

• Temperatures will be checked at the door.
• Donors will be asked to keep an appropriate distance from others.
• All donors are asked to wear masks to their appointment. Here’s an cheap and simple DIY face mask option (even if you don’t sew).

Unsure you’re eligible to donate? Call 800-688-0900 with your questions.

What to Do Before, During and After Your Donation

Never given blood before? Here are some helpful tips.

Eat iron-rich foods such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals or raisins. Avoid fatty foods.

Get a good night’s rest and drink extra liquids.

Wear a shirt with sleeves you can easily roll up above your elbow.

Bring something to read or music to listen to during your donation.

Have a snack after you’re done donating. There should be cookies or something else available in the recovery area.

Keep eating iron rich foods and drink extra liquids. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after you’ve donated.

Avoid heavy exercise for the rest of the day. Lie down if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Keep the bandage on your needle site for several hours. If the site starts to bleed, apply pressure and raise your arm straight up for 5-10 minutes.