Our Blood Institute is preparing to strengthen Oklahoma’s blood supply ahead of Labor Day Weekend with a two-day statewide donation campaign supported by the Oklahoma Beef Council.
The blood drive will take place Thursday, September 3, and Friday, September 4, at all 10 Our Blood Institute donor centers across Oklahoma. Organizers are encouraging eligible residents to donate before the holiday weekend to help ensure hospitals have access to blood products when emergencies and other medical needs arise.
Successful donors will receive Our Blood Institute’s newest Halloween T-shirt. Donors will also be offered an all-beef hot dog through the support of the Oklahoma Beef Council.
Statewide Campaign Focuses on Blood Supply Ahead of Labor Day
The Pre-Labor Day blood drive is designed to encourage Oklahoma residents to make time for blood donation before the holiday weekend. While food and promotional items are part of the campaign, Our Blood Institute said maintaining an adequate blood supply remains the central purpose of the event.
“Although we have fun with this event, saving the lives of our family, friends and neighbors is a serious matter,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “We are grateful for Oklahoma Beef Council for helping us to encourage donors to take time before Labor Day Weekend to help us prepare for any emergency that may occur.”
The partnership with the Oklahoma Beef Council adds a community-focused element to the campaign, with all-beef hot dogs available to donors during the two-day event.
Blood collection organizations depend on a regular flow of eligible donors because blood products must be continually replenished. The September campaign is intended to build supplies immediately before the Labor Day period while supporting hospitals and patients across the state.
Ten Oklahoma Donor Centers Taking Part
Our Blood Institute will conduct the campaign at all 10 of its Oklahoma donor centers, providing residents across several parts of the state with opportunities to participate.
The participating locations are Central Oklahoma City at 901 N. Lincoln Blvd.; Yukon at 4312 Grant Blvd.; Edmond at 3409 S. Broadway, Suite 300; Norman at 1004 24th Ave. N.W., Suite 101; and Ada at 1930 Stonecipher Blvd.
Additional centers are located in Ardmore at 2235 Merrick Drive; Enid at 301 E. Cherokee; Lawton at 211 SW A Ave.; Tulsa at 4601 E. 81st Street; and Broken Arrow at 850 W. Mission Street.
The statewide network gives donors in multiple Oklahoma communities access to the campaign rather than concentrating the event in a single metropolitan area.
Eligibility Requirements for Oklahoma Blood Donors
According to Our Blood Institute, healthy individuals who are 16 years old or older may be eligible to give blood, although specific age and weight requirements apply.
Sixteen-year-old donors must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission. Seventeen-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, while donors aged 18 and older must weigh at least 110 pounds. All donors are required to provide a photo ID.
Whole blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelet donors can give as often as every seven days, up to 24 times per year.
Appointments for the September 3 and September 4 blood drive can be arranged through Our Blood Institute or by calling 877-340-8777.
Community Partnership Supports Holiday Weekend Preparations
The campaign highlights the role community partnerships can play in encouraging blood donation and supporting Oklahoma’s health care system. By combining donor incentives with a statewide collection effort, Our Blood Institute is seeking to increase participation before the holiday weekend.
With all 10 Oklahoma donor centers participating, the organization is encouraging eligible residents to donate ahead of Labor Day and help maintain blood supplies for patients and potential emergency needs across the state.
