OBI plans pair of local blood drives

January is National Blood Donor Month and Oklahoma Blood Institute is urging all healthy Oklahomans, ages 16 and up, to give blood.  

Each blood donation can save the lives of up to three patients.

Blood donors will receive a free, limited edition, long-sleeved t-shirt.  Donors are urged to give at one of the following blood drives:

• Dover Fire Department, 121 E. Redfork Drive, Saturday, Jan. 26, 4-7 p.m.;

• Chisholm Trail Technology Center, Monday, Jan. 28, 8:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

“Some of our friends and neighbors are facing another year of difficult and life-threatening health challenges,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “Someone needs blood every two seconds, and the supply must be constantly renewed. We are inviting all Oklahomans to make a resolution to give blood in the new year.”  

Whole blood donations can be made every 56 days. Platelets can be donated up to 24 times a year.

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.

Asthenation’ssixth largest non-profit blood collector, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals statewide.

“It takes nearly 1,200 donors a day to meet those needs,” Armitage said.

Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by calling Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visiting www.obi.org.

To give blood, 16 year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17 year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18 year-olds and older must weigh at least 110 pounds.