Oklahoma's Shrinking Blood Supply

The Oklahoma Blood Institute says it has blood for now, but another weekend like the last one could drain what little they have left. <br/><br/>News on 6 anchor Terry Hood says OBIâ€™s Tulsa office would

Thursday, July 13th 2006, 10:21 am

By: News On 6

The Oklahoma Blood Institute says it has blood for now, but another weekend like the last one could drain what little they have left.

News on 6 anchor Terry Hood says OBIâ€™s Tulsa office would like to have 1,500 units of blood on hand in case of emergencies. So far this summer, they've only been able to stock around 300. And that could go fast.

Last weekend, two accidents put a squeeze on the blood supply. One of the victims at a traffic accident near Ramona needed 75 units of blood.

Teece Chambers' brother was badly hurt in a second accident near Grand Lake. Brent Chambers has already needed 100 units of blood since Saturday. That's why his brother felt compelled to give. "He's got some major damage to different parts of his body, different cuts and lacerations that are just continually bleeding. He goes through 5 to 6 units of blood a day."

Sara Wilson with the Oklahoma Blood Institute: "Statewide, our inventory is doing fairly well, but the summer's not over yet. Trauma accidents impact the blood supply, and multiple accidents can put critical stress on our inventory."

The OBI is setting up two blood drives for Brent. One is Monday at the Shelter Insurance office near 91st and Memorial. The other will be held Saturday, July 22 at the Pryor First Church of God from 10AM until 5PM - along with a charity poker run.

At first, doctors didn't think Brent would make it. Things look better now, but he could still be in the hospital for three months.