OBI blood drive continues today
Robert Bolton/Pioneer
Pre-nursing major Jackie Adams donates blood to the Oklahoma Blood Institute during the first day of OBI’s summer blood drive at OCCC.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, June 21, in the College Union.
Students and faculty alike are participating in a life-saving cause by donating to the OBI.
Pre-nursing major Jackie Adams participated in the drive on its first day, June 20.
“I work at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital as a nursing tech with people in need of blood,” Adams said. “It’s a privilege to give to others.”
Some blood types — such as Type O — are in high demand.
The ABO Blood System
There are four major blood groups determined by the presence or absence of two antigens – A and B – on the surface of red blood cells:
• Group A – has only the A antigen on red cells (and B antibody in the plasma)
• Group B – has only the B antigen on red cells (and A antibody in the plasma)
• Group AB – has both A and B antigens on red cells (but neither A nor B antibody in the plasma)
• Group O – has neither A nor B antigens on red cells (but both A and B antibody are in the plasma)
Visit www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-types for more information
According to the American Red Cross, “Type O blood is the universal blood type and is the only blood type that can be transfused to patients with other blood types.”
OCCC student Deanna Hempel said she gave because she knows every blood donation is crucial.
“I wanted to save three lives, and I have type O negative blood,” Hempel said.
Blood donors will receive two free passes to the zoo and a T-shirt.
For more information on giving blood, visit the OBI website at www.obi.org.