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.