Community Hospital to host Bedlam Blood Drive

Each blood donor will receive the choice of a free University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University blood donor T-shirt and a chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2012 Bedlam football game

Any donor who prefers to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals -- locally, Children’s Hospital Foundation - can forgo the T-shirt. In turn, Oklahoma Blood Institute will make a monetary donation of similar value to Children’s Hospital Foundation. It’s a chance to ‘doubly give’ to local children battling critical health conditions -- through the life-saving gift of blood and support for pediatric medical research, community outreach and treatment initiatives.

“Someone needs blood every two seconds,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “That is why we are asking everyone to show community support through blood donation along with their school spirit during football season.”

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 (AABB), those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used in any emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.