OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.— The Oklahoma Correctional Industries Showroom resembles a hospital emergency room, swarming with nurses, gurneys and patients.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute desperately needs donations and hosted a blood drive here this week.
“Now we are more desperate than ever,” OBI Spokesperson Autumn Garrett said. “We’ve had a lot of cancellations as you can imagine. People’s lives have changed dramatically. They aren’t at schools or businesses.”
High schools and colleges traditionally account for 30-percent of all blood donations. Department of Corrections employees rolled up their sleeves to help replenish the dwindling supply.
The OBI technicians actually make donating enjoyable.
“These kind of events boost participation and build awareness for the need to donate blood,” Garrett said.
Every ODOC donor was rewarded with free burgers and a limited edition Bedlam T-shirt.
“I’m here for the orange,” Kay Thompson said.
Truth is, these employees are really here to save a life.
“My best friend’s son was just diagnosed with cancer,” Thompson said. “And I’m donating in his honor.”
After all, it’s the Department of Corrections mission to serve and protect. And on this day, that means giving the gift of life.
