Blood drive scheduled for Oct. 14

Oklahoma Blood Institute is bringing the fun Halloween spirit to blood donation this October with its “Vein Drain” campaign.

Join the Haskell County community for a blood drive with Oklahoma Blood Institute from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14 at Stigler First Assembly of God.   
Successful blood donors will receive a free limited-edition, glow-in-in-the-dark, “Vein Drain” T-shirt, displaying a skeleton bone theme.

In addition, for a limited time only, all donors will receive free COVID-19 antibody testing and Hemoglobin A1c blood sugar testing, which can help monitor diabetes risk.
“Vein Drain is all about having fun with Halloween, but the reality is, every two seconds someone needs blood to survive,” said John Armitage, President, and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “With an hour of your time, you can save the lives of up to three patients facing trauma or ongoing treatment at our local hospitals. You’ll not only help others, but also can find out more about your health through COVID antibody screening and blood sugar testing.”

Oklahoma Blood Institute relies on 1,200 volunteer blood donors a day to meet the needs of patients at more than 160 hospitals and medical facilities as well as all air ambulances statewide.

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old or older can give blood. Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.
Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. COVID-19 vaccination does not affect eligibility to donate blood.