Bedlam bragging rights are on the line! Oklahoma
and Oklahoma State Universities will compete in the Bedlam Blood Battle
Monday, Nov. 8 through Friday, Nov. 12.
The university with the most blood donations will not only get bragging
rights and the Bedlam Blood Battle trophy, but also provide lifesaving
blood donations to help patients in area hospitals.
Blood donors will receive free food and refreshments and a Bedlam Blood
Battle T-shirt in OU crimson or OSU orange. Covid-19 antibody testing will
also be available donors while supplies last. The Oklahoma Blood Institute
will host blood drives at several locations on the campuses. Specific
locations can be found at obi.org/events.
"This is a fun and spirited competition leading up to the Bedlam football
game,: said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood
Institute. "No matter which team wins, patients in Oklahoma hospitals are
truly the winners."
Oklahoma Blood Institute relies on 1,200 volunteer blood donors a day to
meet the needs of patients at more than 160 hospitals and medical
facilities as well as all air ambulances statewide. Anyone who is healthy
and 16 years old* or older can give blood. Photo ID is required.
Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org/events or by calling
877-340-8777. While COVID-19 vaccination is not required of blood donors,
those who have been vaccinated can donate immediately, assuming they are
feeling well. Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one
donation saves up to three lives.
*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental
permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds
must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required. While supplies last.
Donors ages 16 or 17-years old need parental consent to be screened for
COVID-19 antibodies. This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It
has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization)
for use by authorized laboratories. The test has been authorized only for
the detection of the antibody IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, not for any
other viruses or pathogens. Test results will be made available
post-donation on the donor portal.
