FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2026 ─ Although the winter storm has moved out of the region, lingering ice, snow and sustained below-freezing temperatures continue to create hazardous travel conditions, resulting in ongoing challenges for healthcare systems and the local blood supply.
Since the winter weather began, 86 community blood drives have been canceled, resulting in the loss of more than 1,600 expected blood donations. With schools and universities remaining closed and donation opportunities still limited, Our Blood Institute is now missing an estimated 700 blood donations each day in educational drives alone.
These ongoing conditions are already impacting patient care. Our Blood Institute is experiencing significant shortages of platelets and O-negative blood, both of which are critical for trauma care, cancer treatments and emergency surgeries.
Earlier this month, Our Blood Institute declared an emergency blood shortage as inventories fell to critically low levels. Thanks to donors who answered the call, donation levels began to improve and helped stabilize the blood supply. However, the prolonged effects of this winter weather have quickly erased that progress, thrusting the blood supply back into an emergency shortage once again.
Unlike a typical winter event where communities rebound within a day or two, many side roads and neighborhoods remain unsafe to travel several days later due to persistent ice and refreezing. Our Blood Institute has experienced significant staffing challenges as employees continue to navigate dangerous road conditions.
“When freezing temperatures linger, the impact on the blood supply compounds quickly,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “We are incredibly grateful to the donors who stepped up earlier this month, but the reality is that even a few days of missed donations can quickly put patients at risk.”
All blood types are needed, with an urgent need for platelet donors and O-negative donors. Donation appointments remain available at Our Blood Institute donor centers for those who can safely travel.
Community members are encouraged to donate when conditions improve, and it is safe to do so to help stabilize the blood supply for patients across the region.
To thank donors who give during these challenging conditions, all donors who give Wednesday through Friday will receive a blood donor sweatshirt, while supplies last.
Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old* or older can give blood. Donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome.
*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.
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Our Blood Institute is the seventh-largest independent blood center in the nation, with 17 donor centers in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. OBI is the nonprofit blood provider for patients at more than 240 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances across all three states.
