Blood donors embody the best of who Oklahomans are, giving selflessly so the state can rise and recover together. COVID-19 has taken a toll on the blood supply, and as elective surgeries and treatments resume, Oklahoma Blood Institute has an immediate need for eligible blood donors.

Oklahoma Blood Institute is hosting upcoming blood drives. Healthy adults, age 16 and up, are urged to give blood at one of these locations, and appointments are strongly encouraged to allow for recommended social distancing:

— RecPlex, 1604 W. Grand Ave., Ponca City; Monday, May 18, 4pm to 7pm

— First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 W. Grand Ave., Ponca City; Wednesday, May 20, 4pm to 8pm

— The House FM & My Praise FM, 6600 W. Hwy 60, Ponca City; Thursday, May 21, 2pm to 6pm

Donors will receive a free t-shirt and their choice of one free entry voucher to Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City or two free entry vouchers to Safari Joe’s H2O Water & Adventure Park in Tulsa, to be redeemed at yourbloodinstitute.org.

Oklahoma Blood Institute supports the inventory for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.

“We must ensure a robust blood supply as hospitals prepare for more surgeries, treatments, and procedures,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute.

Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives.

Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340- 8777 or visiting obi.org. More information on Oklahoma Blood Institute can be found at obi.org.