Oklahoma Blood Institute donating blood to Ukraine
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The Oklahoma Blood Institute Is encouraging Oklahomans to donate blood, not only to save local lives but to support Ukrainian blood banks during this time of war.
From tomorrow to March 31, OBI will be donating $10 to the Global Blood Fund, a charity supporting Ukrainian blood banks and other blood banks across the globe, for each Oklahoman donor who does not take a t-shirt following their donation.
Instead of the t-shirt, OBI staff will fill out a Support Ukraine Global Fund card for the donor and give them a "Support Ukraine" blood donor sticker.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is affecting all aspects of life, including blood banks.
The OBI reported as a Ukrainian blood donation center was hit by Russian artillery killing a donor and injuring three others.
“The Global Blood Fund is designed to help blood banks throughout the world,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “Any way we can help our fellow blood centers, especially in times of crisis, we jump at the opportunity to help those in need. Our loyal donors are heroes who help save lives and this is a chance to make an impact globally.”
Appointments to donate, for those who are healthy and 16 years old or over, can be made online at ww.obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives.
