Published: December 10, 2008 12:48 pm         

Blood in demand during the winter

Many people have an extensive to-do list during the holidays: Decorate the house, put up the lights, buy presents, wrap gifts, spend time with family. Often overlooked, however, is donating blood, which is in high demand this time of year, said Kristi Johnson, Oklahoma Blood Institute blood program consultant. “Especially during the holidays, all blood types are needed,” she said. “You might not be able to afford gifts for everyone you want, but you can give the gift of blood.” Two local blood drives this week give residents an opportunity to donate. OBI is hosting one starting at noon Thursday at Food Pyramid, and the American Red Cross will offer a blood drive all Sunday morning at First Christian Church. People 17 or older can donate with valid identification. Both organization representatives ask that the donor be in good health and weigh more than 110 pounds. Johnson said the experience doesn’t take long and isn’t as bad as some people think. “I think it’s much harder to think about than to go in there and do it,” she said. “Five minutes of your time could save three people’s lifetimes.” Vicki Henington, executive director of the American Red Cross in Stillwater, said she was scared to donate at first, but enjoyed it when she did it. “I felt so thankful that I was able to do something that didn’t take very long, didn’t cost me any money and was able to help three people,” she said. “I actually teared up. It was an amazingly gratifying experience.” Johnson said people donate for various reasons, including a chance to win a car. “I think some people donate because they’ve used blood products or one of their relatives have used blood products,” Johnson said. OBI donors will also be submitted into a contest to win a 2008 Saturn Astra or $15,000 from Bob Moore Saturn. Jim Baker, coordinator of the drive at First Christian Church, said he sees a lot of regulars, but he welcomes anyone to donate. “I really believe in what I’m doing, and they always have trouble keeping enough blood in the wintertime,” he said. “The more we get, the better it’s going to be.” While OBI doesn’t have a location in Stillwater, the not-for-profit organization services more than 85 percent of the hospitals in Oklahoma and some in north Texas, Johnson said. Henington said blood the Red Cross collects in Stillwater is used in Payne County hospitals, so it directly affects the area. She said drives are available somewhere in town nearly every day. The Red Cross office, 114 W. Eighth, hosts drives every Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m. and the last Friday of every month from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

     

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