Blood Emergency Declared In OK

The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) has declared a blood emergency in Oklahoma, since the supply has diminished down to less than a one-day supply.

The winter storms that surged the state over the last week have forced schools and businesses to cancel blood drives and kept donors at home. OBI said the stock in now "critically low."

"The need for donation is constant, since blood has a limited time for use," John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO said.

Armitage also said a typical supply is three to five days' worth, but the state can go into emergency status after only one or two days without donations.

"Presently, there are adequate supplies of blood at hospitals we serve to meet the needs of patients, but our projections for need and expected donors within the next few days cause great concern," Armitage added.

To donate, you must be age 16 and older. Donors age 16 and 17 must weigh at least 125 lbs, and 16-year-olds must also provide parental permission. Individuals 18 and older must weigh at least 110 lbs. OBI encourages all blood types to contribute, but O-negative blood types are especially urged to donate.

Interested donors do not have to make appointments, but they can be made online or by phone at 877-340-8777. The time of donation lasts around an hour and can be made every 56 days.

Visit OBI online for more information on locations, hours of operation and appointments.

OBI donation centers by city:

• Ada,1930 Stonecipher Blvd.
• Ardmore, 1420 Veterans Blvd.
• Central OKC, 901 N. Lincoln Blvd.
• Edmond, 3409 S. Broadway, Ste. 300
• Enid, 301 E. Cherokee
• Lawton, 211 S.W. A Ave.
• Norman, 1004 24th Ave. N.W., Ste. 101
• North OKC, 5105 N. Portland Ave.
• Tulsa, 4601 E. 81st St.

Upcoming blood drives:

Saturday, Feb. 8

• Perkins Volunteer Fire Dept., bloodmobile on Main St., noon to 5 p.m.
• Newkirk Family Health Clinic, 8 a.m. to noon

Sunday, Feb. 9

• Duncan, Chisholm Trail Church of Christ, 11a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Stillwater, First United Methodist Church, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Edmond, New Hope Church of Christ, 8 a.m. to noon
• MWC, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8:30 a.m. to noon

Monday, Feb. 10

• Lone Wolf Community, bloodmobile at 100 Main, 3 to 6:30 p.m.
• Helena Community, Timberlake High School, 2 to 6 p.m.
• Alva, Northwest Technology Center, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Ardmore Regional Surgery Center, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Prague Community Hospital, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cordell High School, Washita County Activities Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• MWC, Walmart at 9011 NE 23rd St., 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 11

• Ardmore, Plainview High School, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Durant, Choctaw Nation, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Canton Community, Pink Room at the High School, noon to 7 p.m.
• City of Enid, 401 W. Owen K. Garriott, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Pond Creek, Hunter High School, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• McAlester, Jackie Brannon Visitation Room, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Holdenville, Moss High School, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Edmond, Oklahoma Christian University, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sayre, Western Technology Center, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Mustang Community, 1201 N. Mustang Road, 2 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 12

• Pauls Valley High School, Auditorium, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Ardmore, Murray State College at 611 Veterans Blvd, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Waukomis, Pioneer High School, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Enid, Mid-Continent Packaging at 1200 N. 54th St., noon to 4 p.m.
• Enid, North Garland Church of Christ, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Fargo Community, Fargo School Auditorium, 2 to 7 p.m.
• Atoka,Tushka High School, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• OKC, Oklahoma Dept. of Rehabilitation, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Shawnee, Oklahoma Baptist University, noon to 5 p.m.
• OKC, Oklahoma City Community College, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Shawnee, Oklahoma Baptist University, noon to 5 p.m.
• Edmond, Oklahoma Christian University, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.