Kay Electric blood drive set for April 27

The Oklahoma Blood Institute will be hosting a blood drive April 27 at Kay Electric from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Kay Room.

Donors will also get one free admission to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.

"What better way to spread a smile than by saving someone’s life through your blood donation," said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of OBI. "Our blood supply is an essential part of our health care system, so we're extremely thankful for partners like the OKC Zoo and Zoo Botanical Garden for their partnership in helping ensure we continue to have a healthy blood supply for patients in need."

Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and the supply must be constantly renewed. It takes approximately 1,200 donors a day to meet those needs.

Our Blood Institute is the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation, with 16 donor centers in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, including nine centers throughout Oklahoma. OBI provides more than 90 percent of Oklahoma’s blood supply to more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities, and air ambulances.

Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by calling OBI at 877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org. One blood donation only takes about an hour and saves up to three patients’ lives.