September 12, 2012 ─ Blood donors can show their community and school spirit by donating with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) Wednesday, Sept. 26. Olustee High School is sponsoring a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 606 E. 6th.

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 John Armitage, M.D., 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.

Oklahoma Blood Institute exclusively provides every drop of blood needed by patients in all hospitals in the metro-OKC area. Some 140 other medical facilities across the state rely solely on OBI donors to provide life-saving blood for their patients.

Anyone, 16 years or older**, can typically donate blood. Blood can be given every 56 days. To find out more or make an appointment to donate, call 877-340-8777 or visit www.obi.org.

*Blood donation is voluntary, and no contribution, donation, purchase or payment is necessary to enter prize drawing.

** 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.