by Amber Scales, Student Reporter
The Northwestern Oklahoma State University President’s Leadership Class will host a blood-drive in conjunction with the Oklahoma Blood Institute Sept. 23 – 24.
With the holiday season approaching, organizations like the OBI are preparing for an increase in medical emergencies.
To do that, they are asking for blood donations from members of the community. The OBI says that each donation it receives can save three people’s lives.
According to Hannah Webb, a PLC member who is co-chairing the event, local hospitals are in need of blood.
“The local hospitals near Alva have a very limited supply of blood, and their goal is to have 80 donors per day,” she said.
According to the OBI, giving blood is important, as donations of blood can save the lives of those who lose blood due to car accidents and illnesses.
According to Jadyn Budig, who is co-chairing the event with Webb, students will offer snacks, drinks and free T-shirts at the blood drive. Students will also hold a prize-drawing as an incentive to get students to donate.
“At the blood drive, there will be snacks and drinks that will be given to the people that donate,” Budig said. “We will also be giving away free T-shirts to everyone that donates, and we will be having a drawing.
If you come by the table and donate – or if you can’t donate due to medical reasons – we will still put your name in the drawing for a prize.”
The OBI encourages donors to schedule an appointment in advance of the blood drive. To do that, visit the OBI’s website at https://obi.org. Then, in the top right corner of the page, click on the “Donor Login” icon.
Then, to create an account, click the button that says “Create New One.” From there, follow the prompts on the website.
Appointments may be made before the blood-drive. To save time at the blood-drive, donors may fill out information regarding their health online the day of the drive.
The OBI recommends that donors eat food that is rich in iron before donating.
Individuals who have donated blood within the last three months – or who have gotten a tattoo within the last year – are not eligible to donate.
For additional information, contact Webb or Budig. Those interested in donating may also set up an appointment with Janet Valencia, NWOSU’s graduate studies coordinator. Her email address is jivalencia@nwosu.edu.
Volunteer opportunities will be available at the blood drive. To sign up, contact a member of the PLC class.
Students will hold the blood-drive in the Ranger room, located in the Student Center, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day.