Blood Drives Slated in Area

The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) needs donors to save lives in 2017, and has three blood drives scheduled in the area.

Winter can be a difficult time for blood donations, but Oklahoma Blood Institute urges donors to take just an hour to make sure the blood supply for area hospitals stays at levels necessary for live-saving procedures.

Each donor receives a free, limited edition, long-sleeved t-shirt. This shirt is an exclusive gift for those who donate blood this New Year at Oklahoma Blood Institute donor centers and blood drives.

Area blood drives will be held at the following:

· Garden Walk Apartments, Webbers Falls, from 2 to 6 p.m. on Jan. 3.

· Vian High School from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Jan. 6.

· Walmart in Sallisaw from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 6.

“Saving lives through blood donation is a New Year’s resolution that’s rewarding and easy to keep,” said John Armitage, M.D., OBI president and CEO. “Nothing feels better than making such a huge impact in our community.”

Donors also receive health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable at OBI’s online store. 

One blood donation can save as many as three lives, and the supply must be constantly renewed. If donors choose not to take the t-shirt, OBI will make a monetary donation to Global Blood Fund for blood center assistance in developing countries.

As the nation’s ninth largest non-profit blood center, OBI’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in 165 hospitals statewide.

Appointments are not required but can be made by calling 479-652-2362 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.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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