OBI: 4 Times More Blood Donors Gave Following Moore Tornado

The Oklahoma Blood Institute estimated that four times the typical number of blood donors gave at centers on Tuesday, in response to the Moore tornado.

According to the OBI, since the blood supply remains sufficient for all needs of the Moore tornado victims and other Oklahomans with medical conditions, many donors were encouraged to schedule a time to give in the coming weeks. Since there is no substitute for blood, the supply will need to be replenished.

Complete Coverage: May 2013 Tornado Outbreak

O-negative and Rh-negative blood types are most needed.

Officials say no matter when people give with Oklahoma Blood Institute, they can be assured that they are saving the lives of those desperately needing blood. Donors with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) provide every drop of blood needed by patients in all metro-Oklahoma City hospitals and 140 others across the state.

Locations of donor centers and mobile blood drives can be found at www.obi.org

Additionally, 10 casinos in the metro-OKC area will host blood drives this week:

Riverwind Casino: Wed, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Lucky Star Casino, Concho: Thurs., 1 - 6 p.m.

Sugar Creek Casino: Thurs., 1 - 6 p.m.

SaltCreek Casino: Thurs., 1 - 6 p.m.

FireLake Bowling Center: Fri., 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Grand Casino: Fri., 1 - 6 p.m.

Lucky Star Casino, Clinton: Fri., 1 – 6 p.m.

Remington Park Racetrack & Casino: Fri.,, noon – 5 p.m.

Kickapoo Casino: Sat., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m

Newcastle Casino: Sat., noon – 5 p.m.