Renew Life by Giving Blood before Spring Break

Oklahoma Blood Institute is renewing life by offering donors who give blood before Spring Break a special gift.

On Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10, all donors who give blood at one of Oklahoma Blood Institute’s nine convenient donor centers statewide will receive free Oak Tree seedlings courtesy of the Oklahoma Forestry Services.*  Seedlings will come with planting and care instructions. 

Seedlings can be planted as a symbol of new life, to honor or remember someone who has received blood, or as a reminder that the simple act of blood donation has a mighty impact.  Each blood donation saves up to three lives.

Spring Break and the weeks following it present significant challenges to the blood supply for local hospitals. 

“During travel, people get out of their normal routines of giving,” said John Armitage, M.D., President and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “But accidents happen, and those battling cancer or other life-threatening conditions do not get a week off from their need for blood.  We urge all healthy adults to donate blood before they leave town or get busy with Spring Break activities.”

Oklahoma Blood Institute maintains the blood supply for more than 160 hospitals and medical facilities statewide.  Every drop of blood is provided by volunteer blood donors.  More than 1,000 donors are needed per day. 

Appointments aren’t required but can be made by calling 877.340.8777 or visiting obi.org.  A list of Oklahoma Blood Institute donor centers is also available at obi.org.

*Seedlings available while supplies last

**16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds 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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