Heroes Needed To Save Lives This Spring
March 1 – May 16, 2017
February 27, 2017 ─ Oklahoma Blood Institute is celebrating 40 years of saving local lives through blood donation, and needs hero donors to roll up their sleeves and give their unique, life-saving gift this spring.
March 1 through May 16, blood donors will receive a free, limited edition vintage-style 40th anniversary “Hero” t-shirt in their choice of color: blue, purple or green. Donors are especially urged to give during Spring Break.
“Because many people leave town or are busy with activities when school’s out, this time of year can be especially challenging for the blood supply,” said Tara Scott, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s Director of Donor Recruitment and Community Relations. “Healthy adults are encouraged to give blood soon, and as often as possible, to ensure an adequate blood supply at our area hospitals.”
In 1977, Oklahoma Blood Institute made a commitment to be the donor-to-patient lifeline, providing hope, healing and comfort to local patients. Oklahoma Blood Institute is a non-profit, independent blood center that now serves more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.
“Oklahoma Blood Institute is dedicated to continuing our legacy of health, service, community and innovation,” said John Armitage, M.D., Oklahoma Blood Institute president and CEO. “Forty years ago, Oklahoma Blood Institute was established with the goal of saving local lives and serving our local hospitals. We could not accomplish that without the real heroes, our selfless blood donors.”
Oklahoma Blood Institute relies solely on volunteer donations from more than 1,000 donors each day to meet the needs of patients statewide. One blood donation can save as many as three lives, and takes only about an hour.
If donors choose to forgo the t-shirt, funds will be donated to Global Blood Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization helping secure much-needed supplies for blood centers in developing countries.
Appointments to donate blood are not required but can be made by visiting obi.org or calling (877) 340-8777.
*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
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