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 3 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 16-17, in the Student Center Ranger Room.
The blood donor goal for the event sponsored by the Northwestern Student Government Association and Ranger soccer team is 90 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. The need for convalescent plasma in this area has increased exponentially as hospitalizations surge.
“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 to make this type of donation.
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 but walk-ins are accepted as the schedule allows. 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 Wednesday, Feb. 16, visit https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/366040.
To make an appointment for Thursday, Feb. 17, visit
https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/366038.
All blood donors will receive a free limited edition “Turn It Up” 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 Hansen at (580) 327-8150 or klhansen@nwosu.edu.
-NW-
CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu 580-327-8480