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 Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 15-16, in the Student Center Ranger Room.
The blood donor goal for the event sponsored by the Northwestern Scholar Ambassadors and Ranger soccer team is 85 donors. This event is open to the public.
Our Blood Institute is the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation, with 16 donor centers in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, including Coffee Memorial Blood Center in Amarillo. OBI is the nonprofit blood provider for patients at more than 240 hospitals, medical facilities, and air ambulances across all three states.
According to their website, Our Blood Institute faces a dangerous emergency blood shortage and is issuing an immediate call for donors of all blood types. Weather cancellations are pouring in across their territories on top of an already critically low blood supply. Our Blood Institute typically has a three-to-five-day supply of lifesaving blood available, but it is well below that level now.
“Blood drives are an important way to help those that need it the most,” Emilie Brown of Jetmore, Kansas, senior health and sports science education major and NSA member, said. “This event is about people who can make an essential impact for individuals that need lifesaving blood. Becoming a blood donor can be a lifesaving act, and it just starts with one person. Be the person who makes an impact and donate blood.”
Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are accepted as the schedule allows. 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.
Those wishing to donate are encouraged to go online and make an appointment. To make an appointment for Wednesday, Feb. 15, visit https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/401200.
To make an appointment for Thursday, Feb. 16, visit
https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/394209.
All blood donors will receive a free limited edition “Save the Humans” t-shirt, free health screenings and donor rewards points. All 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 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