Media Release
May 14, 2020 ─ Blood donors embody the best of who Oklahomans are, giving selflessly so the state can rise and recover together. COVID-19 has taken a toll on the blood supply, and as elective surgeries and treatments resume, Oklahoma Blood Institute has an immediate need for eligible blood donors.
Oklahoma Blood Institute is hosting upcoming blood drives. Healthy adults, age 16 and up, are urged to give blood at one of these locations, and appointments are strongly encouraged to allow for recommended social distancing:
- Walmart, 2004 East Main, Cushing; Wednesday, May 20, 11am to 4pm
- BancFirst, 808 South Main, Stillwater; Wednesday, May 20, 2pm to 5pm
- First Baptist Church, 500 E. Knipe Street, Perkins; Wednesday, May 20, 4pm to 8pm
- The House FM at Olive Garden, 2100 N. Perkins Road, Stillwater; Thursday, May 21, 2pm to 7pm; Donors will receive a free Olive Garden dessert at this drive!
- Stroud National Bank, 830 N. Perkins, Perkins; Friday, May 22, 10am to 2pm
- Ultimate Air, 1815 N. Country Club Rd., Stillwater; Saturday, May 23, 12pm to 4pm
Donors will receive a free t-shirt and their choice of one free entry voucher to Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City or two free entry vouchers to Safari Joe’s H2O Water & Adventure Park in Tulsa, to be redeemed at yourbloodinstitute.org. Oklahoma Blood Institute supports the inventory for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.
“We must ensure a robust blood supply as hospitals prepare for more surgeries, treatments, and procedures,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “Oklahomans have built a legacy of rising together in times of hardship. We are so grateful to our blood drive coordinators, community partners and health care professionals who encourage blood donation. Our donors represent the Oklahoma Standard– providing hope, healing, and comfort to communities recovering in crisis.”
Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donor centers and mobile blood drives have instituted additional cleaning methods, decontaminating work and common areas and equipment frequently. In addition, donor centers and mobile blood drives have been adapted to allow for social distancing. All phlebotomy staff will wear masks. Staff members and donors will also have their temperatures taken before starting work or entering the facility, to ensure only healthy individuals are present.
Oklahoma Blood Institute is following recommendations and guidelines set forth by the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks). Oklahoma Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reports no cases of COVID-19 transmitted through blood transfusion, and respiratory viruses generally are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion.
Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org. More information on Oklahoma Blood Institute can be found at obi.org.
*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
