Oklahoma Blood Institute will hold a blood drive in Hennessey this week.

The drive will be from 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at The Event Center, 600 N. Main St.  

Each blood donor will receive a t-shirt and voucher for free admission to their choice of Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City (one entry) or Safari Joe’s H2O Water & Adventure Park in Tulsa (two entries).

“Summer is a particularly challenging time for the blood supply,” said John Armitage, M.D., Oklahoma Blood Institute president and CEO. “People go out of town, and are busy with activities, and get out of their normal routine of giving blood.  We encourage healthy adults to spare just an hour of their time to save the lives of their neighbors.”

Oklahoma Blood Institute relies on donations from approximately 1,200 donors each day  to meet the needs of patients statewide.  

One blood donation can save as many as three lives.

O-Negative donors are particularly needed, since their rare blood type is the only blood type that is transfused in emergencies when blood type is unknown.

Whole blood can be donated every 56 days.  Platelet donations can be made as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.  

Appointments are not required but can be made by calling Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org.