Blood donors who save lives before Labor Day will enjoy a hotdog picnic at Our Blood Institute’s donor centers statewide! This year’s Pre-Labor Day blood drive is a two-day event.

On Thursday, August 29, and Friday, August 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., donors will receive and OBI T-shirt and an all-beef hot dog compliments of the Oklahoma Beef Council as it teams up with Our Blood Institute to “Beef Up” the blood supply for the Labor Day weekend.

All blood donors on these days will be entered to win a $250 restaurant gift card.

Our Blood Institute has nine donor centers statewide including four in the Oklahoma City metro:

• Central OKC, 901 N. Lincoln Blvd.
• North OKC, 5105 N. Portland Ave.
• Edmond, 3409 S. Broadway, Suite 300
• Norman, 1004 24th Ave., N.W., Suite 101
• Ada, Ardmore, Enid, Lawton and Tulsa (addresses on obi.org)

“Oklahoma’s beef farmers and ranchers care about Oklahomans and are excited to continue this long-term partnership with Our Blood Institute,” said Heather Buckmaster, OBC Executive Director. “We hope everyone takes a moment before their Labor Day activities to help us Beef Up the Blood Supply.”

In general, fewer people make time to donate blood around holiday weekends. “Although we have fun with this event, saving the lives of our family, friends and neighbors is a serious matter,” said Dr. John Armitage, President and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “We are grateful for Oklahoma Beef Council for helping us to encourage donors to take time before Labor Day Weekend to help us prepare for any emergency that may occur.”

Anyone who is healthy and age 16 or older can give blood. Sixteen-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.

However, of those eligible to donate blood in the U.S., less than 10 percent actually donate each year. Each blood donation can save the lives of up to three Oklahomans.

Our Blood Institute provides every drop of blood used by 160 hospitals and medical facilities statewide, as well as all air ambulances in Oklahoma.

Vouchers must be redeemed online at yourbloodinstitute.org.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to give blood, visit obi.org or call 877-340-8777.