Giving blood and saving lives

This past week, the Oklahoma Blood Institute hosted a back to school blood drive for the Stillwater community.

"There were 340 donations," said OBI Blood Program Consultant, Kristi Johnson.

"Each donation provides for about three transfusions or approximately three lives," said Johnson. Oklahoma Blood institute sells to most Oklahoma hospitals. "Thank you for the donations, especially the first time donors. There were a lot."

Sophomore Madison Pastor said she donates every 56 days because it's the earliest OBI will let an individual donate again.

"Why wouldn't you?" Pastor said. "Its good for you, and good for other people."

Sophomore Amanda Becker said she gives whenever any organization is on campus requesting her white and red blood cells.

"I give whenever and wherever to whoever on campus," said Becker. "I am here to give blood, it helps others," said Becker.

With 340 donations, OBI expects more than 1,000 lives to saved with the past week's drive.

OBI and other companies will have many upcoming possibilities to give blood throughout the year.

OBI encourages as many students as possible to come to the upcoming Blood Drive event Big Bedlam Blood Bash.

"We are in direct competition with the blood institute in Norman," said Johnson. "We want to beat OU, so our goal is 1,000 donations or more."

Each donator will get a Bedlam Blood drive tee shirt and will help beat OU.