Oklahoma Blood Institute Calls End On Blood Emergency

The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) has released a statement saying that the organization now has adequate supply for patients in the 140 hospitals they serve across the state.

On Jan. 30, OBI called in a Blood Emergency as they faced critical lows in their blood supply due to severe winter weather as well as a decline in donations. The President and CEO of OBI, John Armitage stated one of the main reasons they have seen a decline in donations is illness from the cold and flu season.

According to Armitage Oklahoma has once again shown that the people will come throw in times of need to help restore the institute's blood supply.

“We hope to avoid similar future scenarios as people realize how fragile the situation is.  Blood has a very limited time for its use.  About 600 new donors each day are needed to replace that which has gone on to patients in hospitals,” Armitage said.

Appointments are not necessary but can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or visiting www.obi.org.