Seasonal illnesses, including the flu, are affecting blood donations. Oklahoma is among the hardest-hit states, with widespread flu cases leading to school closures and canceled high school blood drives, according to Our Blood Institute.
Many adults caring for sick family members are also unable to donate, further straining the local blood supply.
Our Blood Institute is calling on all healthy, eligible individuals to donate as soon as possible to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving care they need, the organization said in a news release.
“We are doing everything we can to prevent a critical blood shortage, but we need the community’s help,” said Dr. John Armitage, Our Blood Institute president and CEO. “When regular donors get sick, it creates a gap in donations. That’s why we’re asking those who are healthy to step up and donate now.”
Blood is needed every day for trauma patients, surgeries, cancer treatments and other medical emergencies, according to the news release. There is no substitute for donated blood, and it must be readily available when patients need it.
OBI is the primary blood supplier for Oklahoma, providing blood to more than 95% of the state’s hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances, the organization said. That includes Saint Francis, Hillcrest, OU Health, SSM Health St.
Anthony, Integris Health and Mercy.
“If you’re feeling well, we encourage you to make an appointment as soon as possible,” Armitage said. “Your donation can make a real difference.”
As a thank-you, successful donors will receive a superhero- themed T-shirt, and those who donate at an OBI donor center will also get a special kid-sized donor T-shirt.
Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be donated as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.
Anyone who is healthy and 16 or older can give blood. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling (877) 340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Donors who are 16 must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission, and 17-yearolds must weigh at least 125 pounds. Donors who are 18 or older must weigh at least 110 pounds. A photo ID is required.