Blood drive returns to campus

By David Miller, Staff Writer

The blood will soon be flowing on the OCCC campus.

No, not from some random act of mischief and mayhem; it’s time for another blood drive here at OCCC.

The blood drive will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, June 28 in room CU3 of the Main Building next to the dining area.

Community Engagement Coordinator Jon Horinek is organizing the blood drive with the help of the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

“I’ve been organizing the blood drives here since I started about two years ago,” Horinek said.

He also said OCCC has had a partnership with OBI for at least 10 years.

OBI Blood Program Consultant Jennifer Beattie said there are extra incentives this summer to encourage people to come out to donate blood.

“We service all the hospitals in Oklahoma,” Beattie said, which totals more than 100.

Due to lower enrollment during the summer semester, Horinek expects only 40 to 50 participants.

All donors will receive a buy-one, get-one-free coupon to White Water Bay and a free T-shirt with an Oklahoma Redhawks baseball theme.

A screening process will determine eligibility for one to donate. All potential donors will have their blood pressure checked, blood iron levels checked, their temperature taken and asked what medications they are taking.

Donors must bring a list of medications they are taking with them when coming to donate blood. One must wait 72 hours after taking their last dose of antibiotics in order to donate blood.

Donors must also be 17 years of age or older, must weigh at least 105 pounds and be in general good health when donating blood. They should feel well the day they donate.

Beattie said the most common reasons potential donors get turned away are for low iron levels in their blood or they have traveled somewhere where they could have contracted malaria or various other blood-borne diseases. There is a one year deferral for someone at risk for malaria.

Donors can enter a drawing for a chance to win a seven-night Caribbean cruise, but they also benefit by possibly saving someone’s life when they donate their time and blood.

“OBI appreciates the long time support of Oklahoma City Community College,” Beattie said.

The public is encouraged to attend the blood drive.

For more information, contact Horinek, at 405-682-1611, ext. 7697, or Beattie at 405-297-5559.

Staff Writer David Miller can be reached at StaffWriter1@occc.edu.