The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is calling on its healthy members and associates to continue giving blood due to critical needs driven by the novel coronavirus.
“Choctaws believe in being good neighbors and contributing to and strengthening the larger society. Retaining a sufficient supply of plasma is critical for doctors, and supplies have been dropping due to the recent cancellation of blood drives. Please consider doing your part by donating blood now,” said Chief Gary Batton.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) stated, “As a result of escalating coronavirus concerns, hundreds of blood drives have been canceled, resulting in the potential loss of thousands of blood units.”
Oklahoma’s blood supply requires a steady supply of donors who generously donate thousands of units of blood each year. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), every two seconds, a patient needs a blood transfusion.
From the time Choctaw Nation facilities began holding blood donation events throughout the ten and a half counties through February 2020, Choctaw Nation blood donations have totaled 18,423 whole blood units. Each unit of blood saves up to 3 lives or an equivalent of 55,269 lives saved.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute has implemented additional cleaning methods and has adapted to allow for social distancing. All staff and donors will have their temperatures taken before starting work or entering the facility, to ensure only healthy individuals are present.
Currently there are over 20 donation sites scheduled around the Choctaw Nation. If you would like to donate blood, please go to www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/zip or contact the local blood institute at 877-340-8777 for donation events in your area.
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CNO Global Pandemic notice:
Due to the Emergency Declarations of Chief Batton, the President of the United States, and health authorities in response to the global pandemic, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) has enacted several measures. CNO has canceled or postponed large public gatherings, temporarily closed Casinos & Resorts, Head Starts, daycares and other childcare facilities, and modified operations at other businesses and health services. The Choctaw Nation continues to monitor the latest information from health authorities and experts. CNO remains in communication with state health officials to ensure that appropriate steps are taken for the safety and wellbeing of our tribal members, associates, vendors, guests, and our communities.
About The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with nearly 200,000 tribal members and more than 10,000 employees. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, the historic boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.