CAMPUS BRIEFS
Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Alva campus is partnering with the Oklahoma Blood Institute to host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 9 and 10 in the Student Center Ranger Room.
The blood donor goal for the event sponsored by the Northwestern Student Government Association and Ranger soccer team is 112 donors. This event is open to the public.
The blood institute has an ongoing need for convalescent plasma from donors who have recovered from COVID-19 to treat seriously ill patients, officials said in a news release. The need for convalescent plasma in this area has increased exponentially as hospitalizations surge.
“A single plasma donation with OBI can provide plasma to up to four COVID-19 patients, in a process that takes about an hour and a half,” Kaylyn Hansen, service learning coordinator, said.
Email coviddonor@obi.org to make a plasma appointment. The email should include the donor’s name, date of birth, contact information and date of last COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals should also include proof of positive COVID-19 test results from a doctor or clinic.
Donors can save time and complete the screening questions online at http://obi.org/donor-express. The confirmation sheet must be printed on the day of the donation.
Donors need to have a photo ID available to give blood.
Appointments are preferred to help with social distancing, officials said. Walk-ins are accepted as the schedule allows. Attendees are required to wear face coverings.
All donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.
Those wishing to donate are encouraged to go online to make an appointment.
To make an appointment for Feb. 9, visit https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/337912.
To make an appointment for Feb. 10, visit https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/337913.
All blood donors will receive a free limited edition “Rise Up & Give” t-shirt, free health screenings and donor rewards points.
Free pizza will be available, and all donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $25 Northwestern bookstore gift card.
To volunteer or ask questions about the event, contact Hansen at 580-327-8150 or at klhansen@nwosu.edu.