(November 20, 2018) – The holiday season is a time to reflect on the importance of generosity and kindness. That’s why Oklahoma Blood Institute is urging residents to start a new tradition, by sharing the priceless gift of blood donation.
Oklahoma Blood Institute encourages healthy adults to set aside about an hour from their busy schedules to give blood, to ensure that enough blood is available for area hospitals through the holidays.*
Blood donors will receive a free, limited edition, long-sleeved holiday-themed t-shirt. Donors are urged to give at one of the following blood drives:
BancFirst, Nov. 29th, 2 pm to 5, 808 South Main, Stillwater
OKDHS Payne County, Nov. 29th, 10 am to 12:30 pm
Stillwater Community, Dec. 1st, 10 am to 4 pm, Hampton Inn and Suites at 615 South Hampton
Oak Grove Baptist Church in Cushing, Dec. 9th, noon to 3 pm
Perkins Old Fashioned Country Christmas, Dec. 13th, 5pm to 8, Oklahoma Territorial Plaza
First United Methodist Church in Stillwater, Dec. 16th, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Career Tech, Dec. 17th, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
“Patients facing trauma, surgery, and those battling cancer or other life-threatening conditions, depend on blood so that they can spend precious time with their families,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “We’re blessed to be surrounded by giving people who respond when there is a need. Few gifts are more impactful than the gift of hope, healing, and comfort for local patients and their loved ones.”
Oklahoma Blood Institute currently is in serious need of O-negative blood donors. O-negative is the universal blood type, and can be given to any patient, regardless of blood type, in an emergency.
One blood donation can save as many as three lives, and the supply must be constantly renewed. If donors opt not to take the t-shirt, Oklahoma Blood Institute will make a monetary donation to Global Blood Fund for blood center assistance in developing countries.
As the nation’s 6th largest non-profit blood collector, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals statewide. It takes nearly 1,200 donors a day to meet those needs. Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by calling Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visiting 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.
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