Oklahoma Blood Institute In Critical Need For Blood As Supply Drops

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create challenges for the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

"We've been in almost a level of emergency since COVID," said Jan Laub, Executive Director for the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

Laub says the blood supply in Oklahoma though, has dropped even more in recent days, to less than half of the supply needed, prompting the agency to issue an emergency blood shortage. Laub says recent winter weather canceled blood drives and fewer people have been donating.

Hospitals are also using blood at pre-pandemic rates.

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"All these things are pointing to a very serious situation so we needed to act,” said Laub.

To try and help, OBI is extending its hours across the state and will now open at 7:30 in the morning to try and get more donors to stop by. The agency is also utilizing more mobile drives.

"What we're looking for is for people to step up and host blood drives through the end of the year, which would be amazing," said Laub.

Some donors though, like David Wade, are still coming into the office at 81st and Yale.

 "I think this is very helpful,” said Wade. “I've heard of people who were in somewhat in danger by not having available blood at the hospital."

 Laub says they'll continue to appeal to both repeat and first-time donors and she hopes this shortage is very temporary.

"We need to stop it, get our blood supply back for the people of Oklahoma," said Laub.