On May 10, 2021, we were honored to have Dr. John Armitage with the Oklahoma Blood Institute discuss how the Blood Institute uses our blood in many ways to help save lives. With the pandemic the blood donations have been down due to people's concerns for getting out. We also learned the four types of ways to donate blood: "There are four ways to donate: plasma, platelets, red cells, and whole blood. Those different components in our blood have many uses. During and after a donation, we are able to separate those components, to give a recipient exactly what they need."
The Bricktown Rotarians stepped into action and had a great idea to donate blood and invite friends to do the same.
The Bricktown Rotarians partnered up with Bricktown Charleston's and the Oklahoma Blood Institiute, and the Institute for Child Advocacy to do a Blood Drive. On Thursday May 13, 2021 from 1:30pm to 5:30pm the Oklahoma Blood Institute parked a donation Bus outside of the Bricktown Charlston's parking lot for a much-needed blood donation.
OBI ran a few promotions to rally donors: "Any willing donors, Get a ticket of your choice between the Science Museum Oklahoma, Frontier City Theme Park or Safari Joe's H2O / Water Park. You'll also get a free T-shirt and be automatically entered to win a grand prize of a Ranger RT 178 fishing boat and a weekly drawing of a Traeger Grills grill."
Slightly concerned we only had 2 donors sign up beforehand...but with our Rotarians kicking into action and showing up as expected along with the help of other anonymous blood donors we had 15 donors give blood that Thursday, our goal was 18 so we feel we were able to pull off a successful blood drive.
Dr. Amitage stated, "Happy Friday and THANK YOU for your success yesterday with the blood drive. Not only did we get 15 donations, but connected with four new (…or at least new to OBI) donors. Please convey to your Rotary colleagues how much we appreciate the help."
So, we encourage anyone who can give blood to do so. Blood has a limited shelf life and there are some methods of longer preservation but there is a continual need.
Thanks to all who participated!