Blood Institute Keeping ‘Fingers Crossed’ for 2021

As Oklahomans celebrate the holidays and wrap up the year, the Oklahoma Blood Institute has its “fingers crossed” for 2021! This holiday season, blood donors will receive a free, long-sleeved “2021 Fingers Crossed” t-shirt.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is hosting a blood drive with the Walmart Sallisaw from 1:30-6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11 on the bloodmobile. People 16 and over are urged to give blood. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be managed as schedule allows. 

“Oklahomans have really done their part throughout 2020 to ensure the local blood supply despite the numerous challenges this year has dealt our community, and we thank them for their selflessness,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Blood Institute. “We urge you to take just an hour out of your busy schedule to give the precious gift of life — and offer families hope, healing and comfort this holiday season.” 

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is the local, nonprofit 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.*

Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. The Oklahoma Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and 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 the 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. Donors who are 17 years old must weigh at least 125 pounds and those 18 and over must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo identification is 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. 

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