Although Kingfisher County wasn’t greatly affected by the winter storm that moved through the state last week, the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s supply certainly was.

OBI on Wednesday declared an emergency shortage of blood.

That meant there was only a one-to-two day supply, well below the four-tofi ve day threshold.

“As winter weather began moving in last week, blood donors began canceling appointments and blood drives were delayed, forcing an already struggling blood supply to critically low levels,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of OBI.

OBI is asking donors to reschedule appointments as the weather has cleared.

OBI says a significant number of appointments across its nine donor centers in Oklahoma were canceled.

Before Tuesday’s storm, donations were already down from expected collections.

OBI typically has a threeto five-day supply of blood available but is well below that level now.

“This could impact hospital needs,” Armitage said. OBI needs 1,200 blood donations each day to maintain an ample supply of blood for state hospitals.

OBI provides more than 90 percent of Oklahoma’s blood supply to more than 160 hospitals and medical facilities.

“January is always a difficult time as blood donations typically slow and the winter weather is magnifying the problem,” said Armitage. “Since the start of the year, blood donations are suffering substantially, and fewer people are donating. We need the public to step up and help secure their community blood supply.”

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old or older can donate. Blood can be donated every 56 days.

Platelets can be donated as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.

“Blood has no substitute,” Armitage said. “Patients across the state rely on blood products to fight cancer, survive trauma and heal after childbirth. Blood donation takes about an hour and can save up to three lives.”

Appointments to donate can be made online at obi. org or by calling 877-3408777.