BEDLAM BLOOD DONATION CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF
Football season in Oklahoma has begun, and Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) has Bedlam-themed t-shirts for blood donors. Each person who gives will be able to select an OU crimson or OSU orange T-shirt. All donors through November 30, will be entered to win two free tickets to the Bedlam football game in Norman December 3.
Everyone who is healthy and at least 16 years old* can make a life-saving difference for their fellow Oklahomans by giving. An average of 1,100 donors are needed each day to keep patients across the state alive. Donor centers are located at
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A Ada,1930 Stonecipher Blvd. |
Lawton, 211 S.W. A Ave. |
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A Ardmore, 1420 Veterans Blvd. |
Norman, 1004 24th Ave. N.W., Ste. 101 |
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Central OKC, 901 N. Lincoln Blvd. |
North OKC, 5105 N. Portland Ave. |
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E Edmond, 3409 S. Broadway, Ste 300 |
Tulsa, 4601 E. 81st St. |
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Enid, 301 E. Cherokee |
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“Our love of football runs deep here in Oklahoma,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and chief executive, “but saving lives of our neighbors and friends through blood donation takes the definition of winning to a whole different level.”
Although all blood types are needed every day, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to AABB, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used in any emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.
Health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable for gift cards and apparel in Oklahoma Blood Institute’s online store, are also provided to donors. Donors can support blood centers in underserved countries if they forgo the T-shirts. Funds will be contributed to Global Blood Fund (globalbloodfund.org) for each donor who chooses this option. This international charitable organization provides supplies and equipment to elevate volunteer blood donation where even the basics are lacking.
Oklahoma Blood Institute is the local non-profit blood center. Its volunteer blood donors provide every drop of blood needed by patients in over 160 hospitals and medical facilities across the state, including all Children’s, Veteran’s and Indian Hospitals.
Appointments to donate can be made by calling 877-340-8777 or visiting www.obi.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
* 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
