Just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, a time when trauma cases often rise, INTEGRIS Health and Our Blood Institute are calling on all eligible donors to give blood and help ensure hospitals are prepared for emergencies.
Just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, a time when trauma cases often rise, INTEGRIS Health and Our Blood Institute are calling on all eligible donors to give blood and help ensure hospitals are prepared for emergencies.
During a joint press conference held outside the emergency entrance at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center, trauma physicians, blood experts and survivors shared how a ready blood supply can mean the difference between life and death.
“With the holiday weekend approaching, we’re asking Oklahomans to step up and donate—every blood type is needed,” said Dr. Amanda Celii, Trauma Medical Director at INTEGRIS Health. “Whether it's a car crash or another traumatic injury, having blood on hand in those first moments saves lives.”
As a designated Level II Trauma Center since January, INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center is equipped to handle the most severe emergencies around the clock—making a steady blood supply even more essential to its mission.
The event emphasized the importance of all donation types, while also educating the public on Type O low-titer whole blood—a specialized product that contains red cells, plasma and platelets. Because it can be transfused quickly without cross-matching, it’s ideal for trauma care before patients even reach the hospital.
Dr. John Armitage, President and CEO of Our Blood Institute, highlighted the proactive role donors play in supporting emergency medicine.
“Every donation matters. But if you’re Type O, your blood may be used to create low-titer whole blood—one of the most powerful tools for treating massive blood loss,” said Dr. Armitage. “Still, we need donors of every type to ensure the right product is available when it’s needed most.”
Trauma survivors attended the event and were recognized for their strength and resilience. Having received lifesaving transfusions, they are living proof of the impact blood donors make.
The press conference was held in recognition of National Trauma Awareness Month and to reinforce the importance of donating blood before the need arises. OBI and INTEGRIS Health encourage donors to give ahead of Memorial Day to help maintain a strong blood supply.
To Schedule a Blood Donation:
Visit www.obi.org or call 877-340-8777. Blood donors must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.
