Blood donors this summer will not only save lives when they donate with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI), they’ll also get two tickets to the Oklahoma City Zoo, a “Feel Wild” T-shirt, free health screening and Donor Rewards points.

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years or older* is encouraged to donate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, July 29, in the Parish Hall of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1500 Falcon Road in Altus, or at the Olustee First Baptist church from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Tuesday, July 31.

“For patients in need of blood, there’s no summer vacation,” said John Armitage, M.D., Oklahoma Blood Institute president and chief executive. “That’s why it’s crucial that blood donors take just an hour to donate blood. The lives of our friends, co-workers and neighbors may depend on it.”

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

Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America, providing every drop of blood needed by patients in 144 medical facilities across Oklahoma, including all metro Oklahoma City hospitals.

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

* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.