Our Blood Institute in need of donations

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Our Blood Institute is in need of donors to strengthen the local blood supply.

According to OBI, it needs more than one thousand donors a day to make an appointment in order to meet the current need.

“Every day, we rely on the generosity of our community to maintain a robust blood supply,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “We need 1,200 donors daily to meet the needs of patients. Donating blood is a simple, yet incredibly important act. We urge everyone who is able to schedule an appointment and help us support those in need.”

Multiple blood drives are coming to the metro in May:

May 18: Lions, Tigers and Diamonds Blood Drive

• OKC Zoo from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Donors will get a Team Donor t-shirt, one free entry to the Zoo and a chance to win $1,000 to spend at BC Clark.

May 20, 23 and 24: Movie Mania Blood Drive:

• Go to ourbloodinstitute.org/events/movie-mania for times and locations.
• Donors will get a Team Donor t-shirt, choice of free entry to Frontier City or Hurricane Harbor in addition to two free movie ticket vouchers.

May 23-24: Oklahoma Pork Council Blood

• Hosted at all OBI donor centers in Oklahoma.
• Donors will get a limited-edition, bacon-themed t-shirt, a yummy pulled pork sandwich from Oklahoma Pork Council and choice of free entry to Frontier City or Hurricane Harbor.

OBI says blood donations are important for people going through surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illness management and emergency care. To make sure there is a consistent blood supply, OBI says it needs 1,200 donors a day.

"Each donation can potentially save up to three lives, making a profound impact on our community’s health. While giving blood only takes about an hour of your time, you could be giving someone else back the rest of their life." says OBI.

Anyone one who is in good health and 16 years old or older can donate blood.

To learn more or make an appointment, visit OBI.org or call 877-340-8777.