OBI Needs Donors to “Spring” to Save Lives April 24 – April 27

This spring, Oklahoma Blood Institute needs strong, bold, and fearless donors to give blood and help patients in area hospitals. And, because Oklahomans know the importance of weather safety during this time of year, all blood donors who give in the month of April will be entered for a chance to win a tornado shelter from FlatSafe. As an added incentive, donors will receive a coupon from Whataburger for a free honey butter chicken biscuit and be entered for a chance to win Whataburger for a year!

Blood donors will have their choice of inspirational t-shirt in one of three featured colors, “Strong” olive, “Bold” maroon, or “Fearless” teal. Healthy adults, age sixteen and up, have the opportunity to give blood at one of the following drives*:

· NHS Sequoyah; Tuesday, April 24, 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

· Liberty Elementary/Community; Friday, April 27, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Students at this drive will receive a goofy pen when they bring in a donor to donate.

“As the weather warms up, people get busy with activities and may get out of the routine of giving blood,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “But every two seconds, someone needs blood. If you have never donated or haven’t given in the past two months, please give at one of these blood drives to save local lives.”

Only ten percent of people in the United States who are eligible to give blood actually do. Blood donation takes just about an hour, and each donation can save the lives of up to three patients. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelet donations can be made as often as every 7 days, up to 24 times a year. 

Donors also receive free health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable at Oklahoma Blood Institute’s online store. 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 a non-profit blood center, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals statewide. Approximately 1,200 volunteer blood donors are needed each day to maintain the supply.

Appointments are not required but can be made by calling Greg at 479-652-2362 or visiting obi.org.

*Blood donation not necessary to enter prize drawings. 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.

KXMX Staff

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com