Bedlam Blood Battle Drive Set for Sept. 3 in Sallisaw

The Bedlam Blood Battle is on again this fall, and it’s time to save lives and support your favorite team with the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI).

The OBI is hosting a blood drive with Sequoyah Manor from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3 on the bloodmobile. Individuals ages 16 and up are urged to give blood. Appointments are needed to participate.

Donors will receive a free t-shirt in OSU orange or OU crimson to show their pride for their team. 

The OBI is the local, non-profit blood supplier, supporting the inventory for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.  

All donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies to identify potential convalescent plasma donors. Masks are required for all donors and will be provided if needed.

“Autumn is beginning in uncertain times, but one thing is always certain — patients need blood 365 days a year,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of the Oklahoma Blood Institute. “We urge all healthy adults to help support patients who rely on blood and blood products for the treatment of life-threatening illnesses or injuries.”

Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. The OBI is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion.

Blood donation typically takes about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 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-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; folks18 and over must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required. Donors ages 16 or 17 need parental consent to be screened for COVID-19 antibodies and are not eligible to donate convalescent plasma. This test has not been FDA-cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization for use by authorized laboratories. The test has been authorized only for the detection of the IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Test results will be made available post-donation.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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