Blood Institute urges Thanksgiving donations to combat holiday shortage and support local patients

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Our Blood Institute (OBI) is asking for blood donations ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

OBI is urging individuals to donate blood in advance of the holiday to ensure that hospitals are adequately prepared for any accidents or other emergent needs.

OBI says that blood donations typically decrease during the holidays, and to ‘give the gift of life through a blood donation to help save local lives when it is needed most.’

Donations can be lifesaving for individuals such as one-year-old Declan de Gruy, who has Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, which is a rare blood disorder that occurs when the body’s bone marrow fails to make red blood cells.

While some cases can be treated with steroid therapy, Declan has a severe form of the disease that has left him transfusion-dependent.

OBI is encouraging donors to give blood ahead of Thanksgiving to help patients like Declan.

Successful donors will receive a long-sleeved “Don’t Be a Grinch!” T-shirt, and if you give blood from November 20-22, you will also receive a Field’s pecan pie and a chocolate bar with a chance to find a golden ticket worth $250.

As a bonus, now through January 12, blood donors can earn double Donor Store points by downloading the new OBI mobile app and scheduling and keeping their donation appointment.

Anyone healthy and 16 years old or older can give blood.

16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission, 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, and 18-year-olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.

A photo ID is required for all donations.

Appointments to donate can be made online here, or by calling (877) 340-8777.

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