Our Blood Institute Urges Community to Donate as Illnesses Strain Blood Supply

February 6, 2025 – Seasonal illnesses, including the flu, are significantly impacting blood donations. Arkansas is among the hardest-hit states, with widespread flu cases leading to school closures, missed appointments and canceled blood drives. Many adults caring for sick family members are also unable to donate, further straining the local blood supply.
 
Our Blood Institute is calling on all healthy, eligible individuals to donate as soon as possible to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving care they need.
 
“We are doing everything we can to prevent a critical blood shortage, but we need the community’s help,” said Dr. John Armitage, Our Blood Institute president and CEO. “When regular donors get sick, it creates a gap in donations. That’s why we’re asking those who are healthy to step up and donate now.”
 
Blood is needed every day for trauma patients, surgeries, cancer treatments and other medical emergencies. There is no substitute for donated blood, and it must be readily available when patients need it.
 
“If you’re feeling well, we encourage you to make an appointment as soon as possible,” Armitage added. “Your donation can make a real difference.”
 
As a thank-you, successful donors will receive a superhero-themed T-shirt, and those who donate at an OBI donor center will also get a special kid-sized donor T-shirt.
 
Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be donated as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.
 
Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old* or older can give blood. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome. 
 
*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required. 
 
 
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Our Blood Institute is the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation, with 17 donor centers across Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas, including five centers in Arkansas. OBI provides blood products for patients in more than 40 Arkansas hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances.