Northwestern to play host to Blood Drive June 24

June 15, 2020

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 24, in the Student Center Ranger Room.

Northwestern Upward Bound program members are sponsoring the event.

Blood donation is safe and critically important, despite concerns surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19).

OBI officials say that one blood donation can save as many as three lives and takes only about an hour to give. Blood donations can be made every 56 days. Approximately 1,200 volunteer blood donors are needed each day to maintain the supply for patients in Oklahoma.

“Blood is a perishable product, and we need constant donations not only to meet our community needs, but in case of local and national emergencies,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of OBI. “We urge healthy adults to continue their regular blood donations so the lifesaving supply can be maintained for our local patients who depend on blood products during treatment for cancer, traumatic injuries and other life-threatening conditions.”

Every donor can receive a free COVID-19 antibody test. Test results will be mailed post-donation. This test has not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19. Donor must be 18 years old to receive antibody test.

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 also will receive their choice of a voucher for free admission to Science Museum Oklahoma for one entry or a voucher for free admission to Safari Joe’s H20 Water Park for 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-