COVID-19 has taken a tremendous toll on the blood supply and Oklahoma Blood Institute has an immediate need for eligible blood donors.

Oklahoma Blood Institute is hosting a blood drive with “Battle of the Banks” in Kingfisher on Thursday, June 25.

The drive will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at InterBank, 320 N. Main St.

Oklahoma Blood Institute is offering free COVID-19 antibody testing for blood donors ages 18 and up.

Healthy donors are urged to give blood and appointments are needed to allow for recommended social distancing.

“Our state is making great strides to overcome the effects of this unprecedented pandemic and Oklahoma Blood Institute is proud to innovate this testing initiative,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute.

“The antibody tests will give our generous donors the important health information they need as they get back to work and activities.”

Donors will receive a free t-shirt and their choice of one free entry voucher to Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City or two free entry vouchers to Safari Joe’s H2O Water & Adventure Park in Tulsa, to be redeemed at yourbloodinstitute.org.

Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donor centers and mobile blood drives have instituted additional cleaning methods, decontaminating work and common areas and equipment frequently.

In addition, donor centers and mobile blood drives have been adapted to allow for social distancing.

All phlebotomy staff will wear masks. Staff members and donors will also have their temperatures taken before starting work or entering the facility, to ensure only healthy individuals are present.

Oklahoma Blood Institute is following recommendations and guidelines set forth by the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks).

“Oklahoma Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion,” Armitage said.

Oklahoma Blood Institute supports the inventory for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.

Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org.

More information on Oklahoma Blood Institute can be found at obi.org.