Donate Blood and Receive a Free T-shirt

As Oklahomans ring in the new year, the Oklahoma Blood Institute has its “fingers crossed” for 2021! Blood donors will receive a free, long-sleeved “2021 Fingers Crossed” T-shirt.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is hosting a blood drive with Walmart Sallisaw on Monday, Jan. 4, from 12:30-5:30 p.m. on the bloodmobile. Individuals ages 16 and up are urged to give blood.

Appointments are preferred. Walk-ins will be managed as schedules allow. All donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies to identify potential convalescent plasma donors. 

Those who have recovered from COVID-19 may be eligible to donate convalescent plasma at this drive. Call (888) 308-3924 or email coviddonor@obi.org to make an appointment.

“Oklahomans really did their part throughout a tough 2020 to ensure the local blood supply despite the numerous challenges, and we thank them for their selflessness,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of the Oklahoma Blood Institute. “We urge you make a resolution 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 new year.” 

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.  

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 (877) 340-8777 or visiting obi.org. More information on the 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 to donate; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; and those 18 years old and over must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID 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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