OBI Blood Drive looking for 130 donors Dec. 3-4

November 30, 2020

Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Alva campus is partnering with the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) to hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 3-4, in the Student Center Ranger Room.

The blood donor goal for the event sponsored by the Northwestern softball and volleyball teams is 130 donors. This event is open to the public.

Blood donation is safe and critically important, despite concerns surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19).

“COVID-19 has put tremendous strain on the blood supply for months, but this unseasonable inclement weather was the real catalyst for a blood emergency in our state,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of OBI. “The need for blood is constant - someone needs a life-saving transfusion every two seconds. We are calling on all healthy Oklahomans to take about an hour of their time to give blood for our friends and neighbors in need.”

Save time and complete the screening questions online at http://obi.org/donor-express. The confirmation sheet must be printed on the day of the donation. Please have a photo ID available to give blood.

Appointments are preferred to help with social distancing. Walk-ins are accepted as the schedule allows. Everyone also is required to wear a face covering. All donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies to identify potential convalescent plasma donors.

Those wishing to donate are encouraged to go online and make an appointment. To make an appointment for Thursday, Dec. 3, visit https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/329831.

To make an appointment for Friday, Dec. 4, visit

https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/329858.

All blood donors will receive a free limited edition “2021 long-sleeved” t-shirt, free health screenings and donor rewards points. Free pizza will be available, and all donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $25 Northwestern bookstore gift card.

If donors choose to not take the t-shirt, funds will be donated to Global Blood Fund, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization helping secure supplies and bloodmobiles for blood centers in developing countries.

To volunteer or have questions answered contact Kaylyn Hansen, service learning coordinator, at (580) 327-8150 or klhansen@nwosu.edu.

-NW-

CONTACT FOR RELEASE

Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu 580-327-8480