Northwestern to Play Host to Blood Drive June 23

June 14, 2021

Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Alva campus is partnering with the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) to hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, in the Student Center Ranger Room.

Northwestern Upward Bound program members are sponsoring the event.

Due to the nationwide blood shortage in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently revised several eligibility requirements for volunteer blood donors:

Those who spent extended time in many European countries are now no longer deferred due to Mad Cow Disease risks. This change will likely allow many veterans and military personnel to donate blood.

The following now only have a three-month deferral period (these were previously 12- month deferrals):

• Tattoos, ear piercings, and body piercings from unlicensed or unlisted facilities
• Blood transfusions
• Accidental needle stick or splash for health care workers
• Travel to malarial-endemic areas

“We’re excited to see the FDA use the latest scientific data to adjust deferral criteria, allowing us to welcome back many donors,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of OBI. “Many donors who have previously been unable to give are now able to support the community blood supply that patients so desperately count on to recover from trauma, fight cancer, undergo surgery or battle life-threatening diseases.”

Additionally, many donors are unsure if they can donate with some common health conditions. Diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid disease are often not obstacles to giving blood. Donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) face no waiting time before giving blood or platelets.

All blood donors will receive a free summer-themed t-shirt, free health screenings and donor rewards points.

Free pizza will be available, and all donors will receive a free Chick-fil-A combo meal coupon. Donors will also receive their choice of a voucher for free admission to Science Museum Oklahoma for one entry, a voucher for free admission to Frontier City for one entry, or a voucher for free admission to Safari Joe’s H20 Water Park two entries.

Donors will need to present a photo ID to give blood.

If donors choose to not take the t-shirt, funds will be donated to Global Blood Fund, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization helping secure supplies and bloodmobiles for blood centers in developing countries.

To make an appointment, volunteer or have questions answered please contact Jaunita Dotson, Upward Bound director, at (580) 327-8113 or jrdotson@nwosu.edu.

-NW-