May 29, 2025

logo
google_play
app_store
Login Subscribe
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
    • Special Sections
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
      • Special Sections
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
News
November 29, 2022

Universal blood type impacted due to supply chain issues

Oklahoma Blood Institute is losing hundreds of O negative blood units a month due to recent blood bag shortages. O negative is the only universal blood type, which means it can be transfused into any blood recipient regardless of blood type. Blood bags are essential to draw blood from a donor. Without them, OBI is struggling to collect enough O negative blood, and more donors must be recruited to make up for the productivity losses and ensure patient needs are met.

O negative donors needed

Oklahoma Blood Institute is losing hundreds of O negative blood units a month due to recent blood bag shortages. O negative is the only universal blood type, which means it can be transfused into any blood recipient regardless of blood type. Blood bags are essential to draw blood from a donor. Without them, OBI is struggling to collect enough O negative blood, and more donors must be recruited to make up for the productivity losses and ensure patient needs are met.

Due to its universality, O negative blood is by far the most in-demand type used by area hospitals. This is urgent supply chain issue will impact area hospitals’ ability to care for patients such trauma patients, premature babies and immune-deficient newborns unless more O negative donors step up to donate blood.

“O negative donations are a backbone of our collection,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “When we don’t have the specialty bags we need to collect these units, we put our emergency response capabilities at risk.”

These supply chain issues have exacerbated an already tenuous situation as OBI enters the holiday season. “Donation rates around the holidays are typically lower, and we’re fighting with a hand tied behind our back,” said Armitage.

“The supply chain foul ups aren’t likely to get better anytime soon. Broken manufacturing and delivery pipelines are never good, but in the blood world they put lives and patient care at risk,” he said.

To get the O negative blood supply back in a healthy range, we need more members of our community to respond by giving blood today. Donating blood* takes about an hour and can save up to three lives. Donors can make appointments and find donation locations at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777.

*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.

this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Jury awards $50M in bad faith insurance case
A: Main, Main, News
Jury awards $50M in bad faith insurance case
Verdict among Oklahoma’s largest ever
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
May 27, 2025
A Sequoyah County jury has handed down what may be the largest verdict in the county’s history and is among the largest ever in the state, awarding more than $50 million in punitive damages to two loc...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Pace resigns following DUI arrest
A: Main, Main, News
Pace resigns following DUI arrest
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
May 27, 2025
Amy F. Pace, director of prevention services for the Sallisaw NOW Coalition, has reportedly resigned from her position after being arrested early Friday morning for driving under the influence (DUI). ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
City prioritizes expenses, scrutinizes FY26 budget
A: Main, Main, News
City prioritizes expenses, scrutinizes FY26 budget
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
May 27, 2025
The City of Sallisaw’s annual budget retreat last week was an accountant’s utopia, which means if you’re not a numbers person, then you would have surely glazed over trying to understand the tedious p...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Commissioners approve appointments, transfers
A: Main, Main, News
Commissioners approve appointments, transfers
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
May 27, 2025
The Sequoyah County Commissioners at their weekly Monday meeting approved appointments of: • Julia McGhee and Kelly Martin as requisitioning officers effective July 1 for Sequoyah County Health Depart...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Meet your local heroes on Friday
News
Meet your local heroes on Friday
May 27, 2025
Come and meet your local heroes Friday at the west end parking lot of the Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library in Sallisaw. Beginning at 10 a.m., youngsters can visit and take photos with members of the Sal...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Gans celebrates Track and Field Day
News, School News
Gans celebrates Track and Field Day
May 27, 2025
Gans Public School students last week enjoyed Track and Field Day 2025 at the school. Mrs. Forslund was the winner of the annual Track and Field Day staff inflatable race.
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}



SEQUOYAH COUNTY TIMES
111 N. Oak
Sallisaw OK
74955

918.775.4433

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Sequoyah County Times

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy