Staff Reports
Pauls Valley Daily Democrat
Pauls Valley —
The Garvin County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3. A bloodmobile will be across from the county courthouse in Pauls Valley.
Blood donors will receive two tickets to the Oklahoma City Zoo and a “Feel Wild” T-shirt when they give blood with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) this summer.
During August, donors have the opportunity to support American Cancer Society by forgoing the T-shirt offered in appreciation for giving blood.
In turn, OBI will make a monetary contribution of similar value, giving donors the chance to “doubly give” – first, by giving blood and then by allowing OBI to use funds otherwise allocated for a donor incentive item to support American Cancer Society ’s research and community programs.
“Those battling cancer often need blood as a result of surgery or chemotherapy treatment,” said John Armitage , president and CEO for Oklahoma Blood Institute.
“Thanks to this unique partnership with American Cancer Society, we are equipped with a sufficient blood supply, and have furthered important research to more effectively prevent, detect and treat cancers.”
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.
Oklahoma Blood Institute is the 12th largest, non-profit blood center in America, providing every drop of blood needed by patients in 150 medical facilities across Oklahoma, including all metro Oklahoma City hospitals.
For more information or to make an appointment to donate, contact Krystal McDaniel or Kim Erwin at 405-238-7591, Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visit us at www.obi.org.
