Oklahoma Blood Institute is planning two blood drives this week in Kingfisher County.

The first will be held Wednesday, Aug. 7, at the Hennessey Event Center, 600 N. Main St. It will be hosted from 2-7 p.m.

OBI will host another drive from noon-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at Chesapeake north of Kingfisher on U.S. 81.

Donors will receive a t-shirt and other perks including admission to their choice of various amusement and water parks.

“Summer is a particularly challenging time for the blood supply,” said John Armitage, M.D., Oklahoma Blood Institute president and CEO.

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.

Only 10 percent of people in the United States who are eligible to give blood actually do. 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.  

If donors opt not to take the t-shirt, Oklahoma Blood Institute will make a monetary donation to Global Blood Fund for blood center assistance in developing countries.

As a non-profit blood center, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s generous donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities, and air ambulances statewide.  

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