Healthy Ardmore-area residents, 17 years and older, are encouraged by the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) to donate blood 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Dickson High School.
OBI provides every drop of blood needed by Mercy Memorial Health Center in Ardmore, as well as for most other hospitals statewide. As many as three lives can be saved with each unit donated.
Donors will receive free University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University blood donor T-shirts, Members for Life points to be redeem at OBI’s online store and free health screenings.
“No matter if donors ‘bleed’ crimson or orange, the critical need for blood crosses team lines,” said John Armitage, MD, Oklahoma Blood Institute president and chief executive. “With the most common blood types, we routinely operate with only a three-day supply,” he said. “We wouldn’t feel comfortable doing that with vaccines, sutures or other medical needs. And we shouldn’t with blood. That’s why regular donation by those who can is so important.”
The drive is sponsored by the Student Council and Sherri Jones.
“We’re proud that young people, such as the students at Dickson High School, realize the benefits of giving blood and are willing to step up and lead by example,” Armitage said. “We appreciate loyal donors who help us ensure we can provide blood for every patient’s need in the Oklahoma communities we serve.”
Donations take about an hour and can be made every 56 days. To make an appointment to donate, call (877) OBI-GIVE or visit www.obi.org.
Those unable to participate in the Dickson drive may donate blood at OBI’s Ardmore center, 1420 Veterans. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the second Saturday of every month.
Oklahoma blood donors give more than 250,000 units each year. Still, the need for blood donations remains great. Studies show one in three people will need blood during a lifetime.
