Oklahoma Blood Institute Seeking More O Negative Blood Donors

The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) is asking anyone with O negative blood to consider donating ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Two of the biggest reasons the OBI is asking for more help is because people with the blood type are considered universal donors, meaning that anyone in need of blood can receive type O negative blood.

The other reason is that there are supply chain issues currently impacting the Oklahoma Blood Institute's ability to get specialized bags that allow people to do a double donation of O negative blood. These specialized bags are required for double donations.

"Because of the supply chain issues, we’re not able to get those two units. We’re having to rely on that one and so that’s why we’re asking for that extra effort. If you’re eligible, would you please come in especially going into the Thanksgiving holiday," said Sandy Neuzil, director of donor recruitment at the Oklahoma Blood Institute in Tulsa.

According to Neuzil, donations also tend to go down around the holidays because people are likely to be out of town.

"What we’re asking is our O-donors to really step up and come out to help make up for the fact that we cannot collect those two units. We’re having to be very selective about collecting because we simply don’t have that specialized bag," Neuzil said.

Neuzil said that it's critical that people come out and donate because the Oklahoma Blood Institute provides over 90% of all the blood resources for the state.

"From November 21-23, the Oklahoma Blood Institute will also be giving away a pie, a chocolate bar, and a long-sleeved T-shirt to anyone who donates at a donor center or mobile blood drive. The Oklahoma Blood Institute says that one donor will also receive a $250 Visa gift card.

Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives."