Blood institute hopes to draw young donors

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is trading iPods and movie passes for blood at local malls Saturday, in hopes of attracting high school and college students to donate.

The blood institute will conduct "Summer Reunion” blood drives from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Quail Springs Mall and Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma City and at Sooner Mall in Norman.

The institute is offering free movie tickets, backpacks and snacks to anyone who participates.

In addition, all donors will have a chance to win an Apple iPod and Apple iTunes gift cards in random drawings at all three sites.

"Students are among our most loyal donor groups,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of the institute. "With schools out for summer vacation, these Summer Reunion drives give students another place to give.”

According to America's Blood Centers, 95 percent of adults who live to the age of 72 need blood products during their lifetimes, yet only 5 percent to 10 percent of people actually donate each year.