Blood donors who boost community supplies for the Memorial Day holiday weekend will enjoy pulled-pork sandwiches at Oklahoma Blood Institute's (OBI) Tulsa Donor Center, 4601 E. 81st St. The blood drive, Thursday and Friday, May 21 and 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is sponsored by the Oklahoma Pork Council (okPORK). One lucky, Oklahoma donor will win a barbeque pork picnic for 40, compliments of okPORK. This marks the ninth year okPORK has supported this event.

“Oklahoma’s hog farmers have an ethical obligation to support our local communities,” said Roy Lee Lindsey, okPORK executive director. “Some of our farmers and members of their families have needed blood before. We realize the personal impact of blood donation.”

“We urgently need people to give now! The lives of people needing blood in our hospitals could easily be in jeopardy without help before this holiday,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO. “Although we have fun and great food at this event, it is as serious as saving lives of those who are our family, friends and neighbors. We are truly grateful for those who take the time before the holiday to give an hour to help others in our area.”

TNT Home Security Systems is also showing its support. One lucky Tulsa donor will win a $1,500 home security system. Each person who gives will also receive a voucher for two admissions to the Tulsa Zoo, a zoo-themed t-shirt, health screenings and Donor Rewards Points. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit

or call toll-free

1-877-340-8777

.

OBI provides every drop of blood used by Saint Francis Health System, including the Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis, Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Tulsa Life Flight, along with some 150 other medical facilities throughout Oklahoma.

Since there is no substitute for human blood, and supplies must be constantly renewed, the need for donation is great. However, of those eligible to donate blood in the U.S., less than ten percent actually donate each year. Blood donation generally takes only about one hour and can be done as often as every 56 days. Each blood donor can save the
lives of up to three Oklahomans.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA PORK COUNCIL

Oklahoma Pork Council (okPORK) consists of hog farmers from the state of Oklahoma. okPORK promotes pork and pork products, funds research and educates consumers and farmers about hog farming and its products. okPORK provides consumers with current information regarding food safety, nutritional value and preparation tips for pork products.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA BLOOD INSTITUTE

Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) manages the life-saving donations for more than 140,000 individuals each year. OBI is the ninth largest, independent non-profit blood center in the United States. Volunteer blood donors give more than a quarter-of-a-million units of blood a year through OBI to provide an adequate and safe blood supply throughout our region. Once tested and processed by OBI’s medical professionals, donated blood and its components are transported to patients at some 158 medical facilities in Oklahoma. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OBI has four donor centers in the OKC metro area as well as locations in Ada, Ardmore, Enid, Lawton and Tulsa.