OBI blood drive set

Oklahoma Blood Institute on Tuesday, Feb. 19 will hold a blood drive with the Haskell County community from 11:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. at the Stigler First Assembly of God, according to a media release.

Each blood donor will receive their choice of an inspirational T-shirt in one of three featured colors - coral, sky blue or gray. 

“Whether it’s an emergency or a life-threatening illness, someone needs blood every two seconds,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “Blood is needed 365 days a year at our local hospitals. We encourage healthy adults, age 16 and older, to be heroes for patients and donate as often as they can.”

Only ten percent of people in the United States who are eligible to give blood actually do, the release states. A blood donation takes just about an hour, and each donation can save the lives of up to three patients. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelet donations can be made as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year. 

Donors also receive free health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable at Oklahoma Blood Institute’s online store. If donors opt not to take the T-shirt, Oklahoma Blood Institute will make a monetary donation to Global Blood Fund for blood center assistance in developing countries. 

As a non-profit blood center, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals statewide. Approximately 1,200 volunteer blood donors are needed each day to maintain the supply.

Appointments are not required, but can be made by calling Greg at 479-652-2362 or visiting obi.org.

In order to be blood donors, 16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; and individuals 18 and older must weigh at least 110 pounds.

Staff report