February 22, 2018 – The winter weather, hazardous road conditions, closings and cancellations that affected the state this week are critically impacting Oklahoma Blood Institute’s supply of life-saving blood. Now that the weather is clearing, Oklahoma Blood Institute urgently needs donors of all blood types to give blood as soon as they can to help replenish the supply.*
Over the last three days, only about half of the donors needed to maintain the blood supply have been able to donate. As a result, Oklahoma Blood Institute must recover from that deficit while still maintaining our regular blood needs.
“The urgency for patients is going to continue for the next several days until our inventory rebounds,” said Dr. John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute.
Due to the urgency of the situation, Oklahoma Blood Institute has extended its hours at all donor centers statewide. All donor centers will be open until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23 and until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24. Donors can also give at any mobile drive listed on obi.org.
Oklahoma Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide. O-negative blood is especially necessary in an emergency situation when blood type is unknown.
“We urge our fellow citizens to donate if they can. Being able to carry and administer blood enhances patient care and ultimately helps improve patient outcomes,” said Med-Trans representative Patrick Barkley. “Without blood, the difference could really be between life or death.”
Blood donation typically takes only about an hour and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or logging on to obi.org.
*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
