OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 10, 2021 – Blood transfusions are the most frequent procedure performed in hospitals with more than 33,000 daily donations required to meet patient needs in the U.S. To ensure blood is available when needed, communities worldwide rely on the commitment of altruistic blood donors who empower blood centers to continue serving their communities through the availability of a safe and robust blood supply.
January is National Blood Donor Month and Oklahoma Blood Institute challenges all eligible individuals to commit to donate blood in 2021 with the goal of creating a robust supply that can meet patient needs. Blood donors will receive a free, long-sleeved "2021 Fingers Crossed" t-shirt.
"Oklahomans really did their part throughout a tough 2020 to ensure the local blood supply despite the numerous challenges, and we thank them for their selflessness," said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. "We urge you make a resolution to take just an hour out of your busy schedule to give the precious gift of life—and offer families hope, healing and comfort this new year."
"The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented fluctuation in both supply and the need for blood. We thank all current and future blood and convalescent plasma donors for their commitment to saving lives and encourage those who have previously donated to reconnect with your local blood center as a handful of guidelines have changed such as travel restrictions, increasing the number of eligible donors," said ADRP Executive Director Carla Peterson. "Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood which must always be immediately available on the shelf. Blood has a very short shelf-life span and must be constantly replenished year-round to ensure availability for all patients."
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 coviddonor@obi.org to make an appointment.
Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Oklahoma Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion.
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. More information on Oklahoma Blood Institute can be found at 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.
About 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.
About ADRP
ADRP educates and empowers over 800 blood banking professionals worldwide who are committed to donor recruitment, donor experience and donor management by providing a forum for networking, professional development and resource sharing.