Bone and Joint Hospital at St. Anthony Fall Blood Drive

Blood donors with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) this fall will receive their choice of a University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University blood donor T-shirt, health screenings, and a chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2011 Bedlam Football game.*

One in three people will need blood in a lifetime, so Bone and Joint Hospital at St. Anthony will host a blood drive 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, October 4 at 1111 N. Dewey.

“OBI is very fortunate to have such sponsors like OU and OSU,” said Dr. John Armitage, OBI president and CEO. “We hope this fall promotion will continue to encourage blood donation, in order to maintain our typical, three-day supply.”

Because there is no substitute for blood, the supply must constantly be renewed.

Although all blood types are needed, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.

Anyone who is generally healthy and 16 or older** can donate blood.  Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America, providing every drop of blood needed by patients in 131 medical facilities across Oklahoma, including all metro hospitals.    

 For more information or to make an appointment, contact Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or at www.obi.org. 

*Blood donation is voluntary, and no contribution, donation, purchase or payment is necessary to enter prize drawing.

** 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.

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