OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok ( KFOR ) — There’s been a shortage of blood in the state and with the recent winter weather affecting roads, appointments to donate were canceled. The shortage could soon heavily impact hospitals.
Today, dog owners from around the metro donated blood at Bar K while their furry friends let out some energy.
Arctic blast leaves Oklahoma with critical blood shortage
Our Blood Institute set up a mobile bus outside Bar K to help lower the blood shortage in the state.
“It really helps if we can go to where people are. So coming here makes it fun and different for our donors to donate” said Melissa Santoro, the Our Blood institute Recruitment Manager.
Santoro said the cold weather has played a major part on the blood supply in the state.
“It really has a negative impact on the blood supply….blood drive cancellations, school cancellations, it really takes us some time to rebuild out of that hole,” said Santoro.
Our Blood Institute said they need 1,200 units of blood per day to support local hospitals.