OBI Slates Sallisaw Blood Drive May 1

As coronavirus concerns continue, blood donation remains an essential health care activity. 

The Oklahoma Blood Institute will host a blood drive at the Walmart store in Sallisaw from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, May 1. Healthy donors are urged to give blood, and appointments are strongly encouraged to allow for recommended social distancing.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute supports the inventory needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.   

“We urge healthy adults to donate blood so that the supply can be maintained for our local patients who depend on blood products during treatment for cancer, traumatic injuries and other life-threatening conditions,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

The 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 people are present.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is following recommendations and guidelines set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks). The Oklahoma Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion.

The 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 or texting Greg at (479) 652-2362, or visiting obi.org. More information on Oklahoma Blood Institute can be found at obi.org.

Please note that 16-year-old donors must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; and 18-year-olds and older must weigh at least 110 pounds.

KXMX News Staff 

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