Oklahoma Blood Institute is encouraging donors to rise up and give! Oklahoma Blood Institute is also proud to partner with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Appointments are preferred. Walk-ins will be managed as schedules allow. All donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies to identify potential convalescent plasma donors.* Those who have recovered from COVID-19 may be eligible to donate convalescent plasma at this drive. Call 888-308-3924 or email [email protected] to make an appointment.
Successful blood donors will receive a free, limited edition tie-dye t-shirt and one free adult admission to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
“We count on the support of not only our donors, but community partners such as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, which recognize the importance of our life-saving mission and are willing to step up to offer our generous donors a fantastic incentive to give blood,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute.
Oklahoma Blood Institute is the local, non-profit blood supplier, supporting the inventory for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.
“More than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic has put incredible strain on the blood supply,” said Dr. Armitage. “Patients in our community hospitals depend on blood every day for fighting cancer, healing from trauma or battling blood disorders. COVID-19 patients in intensive care are also relying on convalescent plasma—which can only be provided by those who have recovered from the virus.”
Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. 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 visiting 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. Photo ID required. Donors ages 16 or 17-years old need parental consent to be screened for COVID-19 antibodies and are not eligible to donate convalescent plasma. This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) for use by authorized laboratories. The test has been authorized only for the detection of the IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Test results will be made available post-donation.
