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

In response, Oklahoma Blood Institute is offering FREE COVID-19 antibody testing for blood donors ages 18 and up at upcoming blood drives.

Test results will be mailed post-donation.

Healthy adults are urged to give blood at one of these locations and appointments are needed to allow for recommended social distancing:

• First Christian Church Kingfisher, 102 S. 7th St.; Monday, June 8, from 3-6 p.m.

• Hennessey Community, 600 N. Main St.; Wednesday, June 10, from 2-7 p.m.

• First Baptist Church of Kingfisher, 1340 S. 13th St.; Sunday, June 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“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 & 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.