Every donor at this drive will receive $10 casino Match Play and will be entered to win a $200 casino Gift Card courtesy of River Spirit Casino. Donors will also receive two tickets to the Oklahoma City Zoo and an OBI “Feel Wild” summer T-shirt.  

During August, donors have the opportunity to forgo receiving the summer T-shirt, offered in appreciation for giving blood, in favor of Oklahoma Blood Institute making a monetary contribution of similar value to the Oklahoma Affiliate of the American Cancer Society to support 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, OBI donors can ‘doubly give’ first, by giving life-saving blood, and then by supporting efforts that will help further 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 twelfth largest, non-profit blood center in America, providing every drop of blood needed by patients in 150 medical facilities across Oklahoma and North Central Texas.   

For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or make an appointment online at www.obi.org.