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 Tuesday and Wednesday, April 20-21. The April 20 event will be in the Bloodmobile by the tennis courts and the April 21 event will be in the Student Center Ranger Room.
The blood donor goal for the event sponsored by the Northwestern Student Government Association, Business Club and Nursing Club is 78 donors. This event is open to the public.
OBI has an ongoing need for convalescent plasma from donors who have recovered from COVID-19 to treat seriously ill patients.
“A single plasma donation with OBI can provide plasma to up to four COVID-19 patients, in a process that takes about an hour and a half,” Kaylyn Hansen, service learning coordinator, said.
Email coviddonor@obi.org to make a plasma appointment. The email should include name, date of birth, contact information and date of last COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals should also include proof of positive COVID-19 test results from a doctor or clinic.
According to OBI, many donors are unsure if they can donate with some common health conditions. Diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid disease are often not obstacles to giving blood. Donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) face no waiting time before giving blood or platelets.
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 Tuesday, April 20, visit https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/341752.
To make an appointment for Wednesday, April 21, visit
https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/341753.
All blood donors will receive a free limited edition “Rise Up & Give” t-shirt, free health screenings and donor rewards points. Donors will also receive one free adult admission to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. 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.
To volunteer or have questions answered contact Hansen at (580) 327-8150 or klhansen@nwosu.edu.
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CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu 580-327-8480