Bloodmobile seeks regular donors and COVID survivors
The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) Bloodmobile will soon be returning to Holdenville, setting up at the Holdenville General Hospital from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. August 10 and at the First National Bank and Trust from 9 a.m.– 12:15 p.m. August 13.
OBI is currently seeking COVID 19 survivors to donate plasma that can be used to treat seriously ill COVID 19 patients. An OBI new release explains that people who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. This convalescent plasma is being evaluated as treatment for patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections, or those judged by a healthcare provider to be at high risk of progression to severe or life-threatening disease. The need for convalescent plasma in our area has increased over 700% in the recent weeks, according to OBI, with demand now regularly greater than collections. Available supplies have reached critical levels, and patients will face delays in this lifesaving care if donors cannot be recruited in higher numbers.
To help encourage qualified donors to participate, since, July 20, convalescent plasma donors have been entered for a chance to win one of two $1,000 prizes given away to that day’s roster of convalescent plasma donors. This giveaway will provide another reason for qualifying, recovered COVID-19 patients to join the 20 or so similar heroes currently coming in to give each day. To register as a COVID Plasma donor, visit the obi.org website and follow the link or call 888-308-3924.
Of course, regular blood donors are still needed to help keep are blood banks stocked. Because of the COVID 19 pandemic, a record number of blood drives were cancelled in recent months, according to John Armitage, M.D., President and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute.
“Because the need for blood is constant, and increases during the summer, local patients are counting on our heroic donors more than ever,” Armitage states.
Blood donation typically take only approximately an hour, and one donation can potentially save three lives. Although all blood types are needed, those with O Negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate.
