Watts High School hosts summer blood drive on Aug. 26

There's no substitute for blood needed by patients in local hospitals served by Oklahoma Blood Institute.

Watts High School's blood drive on Tuesday, Aug. 26, provides the opportunity for anyone who is healthy and at least 16 years old to help. The blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the school's Library located at Sixth and Pine streets.

Two tickets to the Tulsa Zoo and an OBI "Feel Cool" T-shirt will be presented to each donor. Health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable in OBI's online store, are also provided to donors.

"Everyone knows someone who's needed blood. It impacts all ages of people and often the need for blood arises unexpectedly as a result of accident or illness," said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO. "Whether we know them or not, there are people now who are counting on us to give."

Oklahoma Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed to some 150 medical facilities statewide.

Appointments are not necessary, but can be made by calling the high school at 918-422-5132. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Sixteen-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission to give blood. Seventeen-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, those older than 18 must weigh at least 110 pounds.

General News on 08/20/2014