Media Inquiries
Our Community Relations staff is available 24 hours a day to respond to media inquiries. Contact Leslie Gamble, Community Relations Director, at 405-278-3119 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with questions or to schedule an interview.
‘Share the love’ this February
February 1, 2012 ─ ‘Share the love’ this February by donating blood with Oklahoma Blood Institute OBI. All donors in February will receive an OBI ice scraper, free health screenings and Donor Rewards Points.
Additionally, if blood donors choose to forgo the donor appreciation item, funds designated for this item will be directed to our partnering organization, the American Heart Association. Oklahoma Blood Institute and the American Heart Association (AHA) share a common goal, to keep people healthy. The American Heart Association wants everyone to know their numbers and act on them. That’s the first step in changing cardiovascular health statistics. Because blood donors receive a mini health check, including blood pressure and cholesterol results, every time they come to donate, those numbers are readily available to each donor.
“As the winter months come to a close, it’s important for donors to continue giving,” said John Armitage, Oklahoma Blood Institute president and CEO. “The weather remains unpredictable, but the need for blood remains steady.”
Although all blood types are needed to maintain OBI’s typical 3-day supply, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation, regardless of their type.
Blood donations can be made every 56 days. Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America, providing every drop of blood needed by patients in more than 150 medical facilities across Oklahoma.
Schedule an appointment at on of our donor centers or at a mobile drive, today!
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
National Blood Donor Month
January 1, 2012 - Oklahoma Blood Institute volunteer blood donors save lives. We all know it, but how often are we affected by it? Thousands of people in our state are alive today because blood donors helped them survive accidents, surgeries, chemotherapies or other serious health threats. Oklahoma Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in more than 135 medical facilities across Oklahoma.
For instance, patients like Lauryn Watkins. Lauryn is a vibrant six-year old girl with a contagious smile and inspiring attitude. But in February of 2010, Lauryn’s family was faced with devastating news: Lauryn was diagnosed with Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It began with symptoms similar to a sinus infection. Rounds of antibiotics provided no relief, and intense leg pains were so terrible at times, Lauryn was forced to crawl.
After two bone marrow biopsies, numerous spinal taps, doses of intense chemotherapy drugs and blood transfusions, Lauryn’s cancer is now in remission, and her treatment is in the maintenance stage.
In August of 2011, Lauryn and her family were able to meet three of the six donors whose blood Lauryn had received. As with all OBI donors, they gave not knowing who would receive their blood, or what kind of impact it would have.
“I remember the first time Lauryn received blood and all the many thoughts and questions that were racing through my mind,” said Sherri Ellis, Lauryn’s mom. “It was such an honor to shake the hands and hug the necks of the individuals who took the time to donate blood to a complete stranger, someone you never expected to meet.”
Thanks to Oklahoma Blood Institute blood donors, Lauryn now enjoys dance, gymnastics, school and friends.
January is National Blood Donor Month – the perfect time for first-time blood donors and those who donate regularly, to remember the reason for giving blood and the impact we all can make for families like Lauryn’s.
All healthy adults are encouraged to give blood. Age and weight criteria:
- 16 years old; ≥ 125 lbs. with parental consent
- 17 years old; ≥ 125 lbs.
- 18 years or older; ≥ 110 lbs.
Getting older does not make people ineligible to donate. People who feel well and can do normal day-to-day activities can probably donate. People can give blood every 56 days.
The need for blood is constant. Patients in Oklahoma hospitals have needs 365 days a year, whether it’s for scheduled treatments or for emergencies. Since there is no substitute for human blood, supplies must be constantly renewed.
Find a blood drive near you or visit one of our donor centers to give blood.
Save A Life & Show Your School Spirit
November 1, 2011 — Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) and Bedlam partners Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma are partners in blood drives this fall. Each donor will receive a free health screening and a Bedlam OU or OSU donor T-shirt. One lucky donor this fall will win a pair of tickets to the 2011 Bedlam football game.* All healthy Oklahomans 16 and older** are encouraged to give blood.
Of those eligible to donate blood in the U.S., less than ten percent actually donate each year. Yet, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, and the process of donation takes only about an hour. “Hospitals rely on us to provide blood needed for scheduled treatments and emergencies,” according to John Armitage, M.D., OBI President and CEO. “We are committed to ensuring Oklahomans have blood when it is needed, 365 days-a-year.”
Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America.
Find a blood drive near you or visit one of our donor centers to give blood.
*Blood donation is voluntary, and no contribution, donation, purchase or payment is necessary to enter prize drawing.
** 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 must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Make Blood Donation a Priority This Fall
September 26, 2011 ─ Donors with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) this fall will receive a T-shirt, health screenings and Donor Rewards Points, redeemable for merchandise in OBI’s online store, when they donate blood.
“OBI is very fortunate to have such loyal, giving blood donors,” said Dr. John Armitage, OBI president and CEO. “In order to maintain our three-day supply of blood, it is important for blood donors to donate as often as they are able.”
Donors can also support the Global Blood Fund by forgoing the T-shirt offered for donating blood. In this way, donor can doubly give – both by donating life-saving blood used locally, and by assisting blood centers in developing countries with supplies.
Although all blood types are needed, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.
Anyone who is generally healthy and 16 or older* can donate blood. Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America, providing every drop of blood needed by patients in 131 medical facilities across Oklahoma, including all Oklahoma City metro-area hospitals.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or click here to schedule online.
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Blood Donor Wins New Subaru
August 15, 2011 - When Terry Tatarian, Edmond, donated blood at Oklahoma Blood Institute’s (OBI) event with Bob Moore Auto Group, Aug. 6, she knew it felt good. But Tatarian didn’t imagine the good deed would result in winning a 2011 Subaru Forester. “I’m shocked. I donate blood every time I can, but to win a car is amazing,” she said. Oklahoma Blood Institute records indicate that Tatarian has given blood 47 times.
Tatarian was one of 906 participants in the 10-hour blood drives held at four Bob Moore Auto Group dealerships. She works at Integris Health. Tatarian and her husband have two sons and a daughter.
This marks the seventh year Bob Moore Auto Group has sponsored such an event. Seven hundred thirty four people were eligible to give that Saturday. Through this event alone, some 2,422 Oklahomans who are in critical need of blood will receive it through the remainder of the summer.
Saturday, five finalists randomly chosen from event participants gathered, knowing one would win the new Subaru Forester. Each tried a selected key in the Forester. Tatarian had the lucky key.
“I’m just so surprised to win, but it’s great because my daughter is turning 16 soon,” Tatarian said. She quickly clarified that her daughter might be able to use her mom’s current car, not the new Forester. “I’ll be driving that,” she said.
“August is a particularly concerning time for us,” John Armitage, M.D., CEO and president of Oklahoma Blood Institute said. “Many people are going on vacations and out of normal routines. This year, we were concerned that the extreme heat might hinder people from donating.
“This strong turnout of blood donors at Bob Moore dealerships Saturday proved that those in our communities understand that people across Oklahoma continue to need blood no matter how high the temperatures soar,” Armitage said. “The Bob Moore dealerships graciously made plenty of air-conditioned space available to the crowds of donors who came. Their team’s sense of commitment to our local blood supply is terrific.”
Healthy adults, 16 and older*, are encouraged to donate blood every 56 days. Every drop of blood needed by patients in some 135 Oklahoma medical facilities is provided by Oklahoma Blood Institute. Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America, employs nearly 700 Oklahomans and works with an estimated 1,000 volunteers and 2,600 drive coordinators.
Schedule an appointment to donate blood today!
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Community partner, Bob Moore, applauds long time blood donor and car winner, Terry Tartarian. Read more. See video.
Oklahoma Blood Institute Board of Directors Named
August 10, 2011 – At its July 23 annual board meeting, 27 board members were elected to serve Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) from July 2011 through June 2012. Board members live in and represent all regions of Oklahoma with one residing in Wichita Falls, Texas, home to OBI affiliate Texas Blood Institute.
Phyllis Worley was elected chairman and Andrew Gin, M.D., vice chairman. Both live in Oklahoma City. Others serving on the executive committee of the board are Richard Boatsman, M.D., Lawton; and John Armitage, M.D.; David Carpenter; Gerald Marshall; and W.H. Oehlert, M.D. of Oklahoma City.
New to the OBI board this year is Larry Bookman, M.D., Midwest City, OK. Other physician board members are Frank Barnett, M.D.; Kathy Dagg, M.D.; David Flack, M.D.; Curtis Harris, M.D.; Hal David Martin, D.O.; Gary Patzkowsky, D.O.; and Theodore Violett, M.D. Robert N. Cooke, M.D., 2011 president of the Oklahoma County Medical Society (OCMS), is an appointed member due to his current position with OCMS.
The 2012 Oklahoma Blood Institute board also includes John Bridwell, Ardmore, OK; Jim Parrish, Enid, OK; Jimmie Rowland Cash and Jonathan Helmerich, Tulsa; and Ronnie Walker, Weatherford, OK. Robert Gorrell, Ph.D., Chris Hammes, W. John Hefner, Joe Hodges, Homer Paul and Evan Vincent perform board functions and responsibilities as well.
Oklahoma Blood Institute is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization, OBI manages the life-saving donations from more than 140,000 individuals each year. Volunteer blood donors give more than a quarter-of-a-million units of blood annually to provide a safe and adequate blood supply. Once tested and processed by OBI’s medical professionals, blood and its components are transported to patients across Oklahoma and to north Texas and western Arkansas. OBI provides every drop of blood needed by patients in some 150 medical facilities across Oklahoma. All Oklahoma City-area hospitals and 80 percent of all hospitals in the state rely on donors with Oklahoma Blood Institute to meet their patients’ needs. Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, independent non-profit blood center in the United States.
“Blood Thanks & Giving Day” August 2
July 19, 2011 ─ Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) encourages all Oklahomans to participate in “Blood Thanks & Giving Day” Tuesday, August 2. This is a day to celebrate those whose lives have been saved by loyal, blood donors.
Anyone who has received blood is encouraged to show gratitude by sharing the story of how blood donation affected his/her life. When blood recipients fill out cards to share the stories at Oklahoma Blood Institute donor centers, not only will they be an encouragement to blood donors, but will also receive “I’m Alive Thanks to A Blood Donor” T-shirts.
Those, 16 and older, and generally, in good health, can donate blood. Blood can be donated every 56 days. OBI supplies every drop of blood used by patients in more than 130 medical facilities throughout Oklahoma.
One blood donation can save up to three peoples’ lives. Yet, of those eligible to donate blood in the U.S., less than ten percent actually donate each year.
“Blood given with Oklahoma Blood Institute meets the needs of those in Oklahoma communities,” said Dr. John Armitage, Oklahoma Blood Institute president and CEO. “So blood donors know they are saving the lives of their friends, family and co-workers. Some may have no idea they will need blood in an urgent situation.”
People who have had surgeries and returned to good health can donate blood as early as two weeks after their procedures. Those who receive blood during surgery can give blood after a year. Cancer survivors can donate just one year after being cancer free, except for those who have had hematologic blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Schedule an appointment to donate blood!
World Blood Donor Day Celebrated June 14
June 6, 2011 ─ Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) encourages all area residents to donate blood on World Blood Donor Day, June 14. All healthy adults, 16 and older*, are invited to join blood donors around the world in donating blood on this day.
Blood drives will be held across the state Tuesday, June 14:
- 1 to 6 p.m., Meeker City Hall, 510 Carl Hubbell, Meeker
- 1 to 4 p.m., Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Headquarters, 1000 Black Kettle Blvd, Concho
- 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Grady Memorial Hospital, 2220 Iowa Avenue, Chickasha
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., City of Enid Offices, 401 W. Owen K. Garriott, Enid
- 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Tinker Federal Credit Union, 801 S. Oakwood, Enid
- 1 to 4 p.m., Wilson Nursing Home, 867 US Hwy 70A, Wilson
- 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Healdton Nursing Home, 406 East Main, Healdton
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Keystone Chevrolet, 8700 Charles Page Blvd., Sand Springs
Donors are also welcome to visit any OBI Donor Center:
Oklahoma City Metro:
- Oklahoma City Central Donor Center, 901 N. Lincoln Blvd
- Edmond Donor Center, 3409 S. Broadway
- Norman Donor Center, 1004 24th Avenue NW
- North Oklahoma City Donor Center, 5105 N Portland Ave.
Statewide
- Ada Donor Center, 1930 Stonecipher Blvd.
- Ardmore Donor Center, 1420 Veterans Blvd.
- Enid Donor Center, 301 E. Cherokee
- Lawton Donor Center, 211 SW A Avenue
- Ponca City Donor Center, 518 N. 14th St.
- Tulsa Donor Center, 4601 E. 81st St.
World Blood Donor Day was established to emphasize the need for blood donation. There is no substitute for human blood, and one in seven people entering a hospital will need blood.
“Patients are in need of blood every day, not just in Oklahoma, but around the world,” said Dr. John Armitage, OBI president and CEO. “On behalf of those patients, we celebrate and thank those donors who have saved the lives of those in our community by donating blood.”
All blood donors will receive a voucher for two tickets to the zoo, a T-shirt and free health screenings.
Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America, supplying every drop of blood to more than 150 medical facilities across Oklahoma, including all metro-area hospitals.
For more information or to make an appointment to donate, contact Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visit www.obi.org.
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
OBI Director Named ADRP Manager of the Year
May 9, 2011 – Oklahoma Blood Institute’s (OBI) Tammy Whiteley has been named Association of Donor Recruitment Professionals (ADRP) Manager of the Year, a national honor awarded for exemplary leadership.
Whiteley has worked at OBI for 14 years, the last six as Director of Donor Recruitment. Whiteley has been instrumental in increasing the number of O-negative donors, which make up only 9% of the population. 
As a member of the OBI Production Planning Team, she has been responsible for balancing collections to meet inventory needs. She is responsible for marrow donor recruitment in Oklahoma, helping OBI to receive the number one ranking in the National Marrow Donor Program’s Central Region and placing third for all regions in meeting marrow collection goals. In the past six months, Tammy has also served as liaison for the Arkansas Blood Institute transition as appointed by OBI’s CEO, Dr. John Armitage.
“In less than ten years, Whiteley has led blood collection initiatives to recruit as many as 200,000 donors a year,” said Dr. John Armitage, OBI president and CEO. “We congratulate her on this prestigious award.”
Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America. Thanks to its voluntary blood donors, it provides every drop of blood needed by patients in more than 130 medical facilities across Oklahoma.