1. March 5 Reference Oklahoma blood institute website (Obi.org)

2.  Be at least 16 years old. ( Signed parental permission required for all 16 year olds and by some sponsor groups for donors who are 17 and older)  Weigh at least 125 lbs. if 16 or 17; 110 lbs. if 18 or older  Eat a good meal AND drink plenty of fluids before & after donating.  Get a good night’s sleep before donating.  Must have an ID or school ID Reference Oklahoma blood institute website (Obi.org)

3.  Q: Can I donate after receiving a tattoo? A: Yes, if the tattoo facility is licensed within the State. If it is not licensed, you need to wait 12 months after getting a tattoo to give.  Q: Can I donate after receiving a tattoo? A: Yes, if the tattoo facility is licensed within the state.If it is not licensed, you need to wait 12 months after getting a tattoo to give. Reference Oklahoma blood institute website (Obi.org)

4.  Q: Can I donate if I am sick or pregnant? A: If you are taking an antibiotic, running a fever, pregnant, or feeling ill, you’ll need to wait for another time before donating.  Q: Can I donate if I am taking prescription medications? A: Usually, the answer is, yes. However, blood thinners, such as Plavix, can require us to defer you from donating. Most people with diabetes that is controlled, even if insulin dependent, can still donate blood. Reference Oklahoma blood institute website (Obi.org)

5.  Q: Can I donate if I have had cancer? A:Cancer survivors can donate blood one year after being cancer free. Those who have melanoma without metastases can donate after a three year waiting period. Those who have had hematologic blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma or multiple melanomas remain ineligible to donate blood.  Q: How long should I wait to donate after getting a flu shot? A: There is no waiting period to donate after receiving a flu shot. Reference Oklahoma blood institute website (Obi.org)

6.  Q:How often can I donate? A: Healthy individuals can donate whole blood every 56 days, plasma every 28 days and platelets every 7 days.  Q: If I’ve recently had an ear or body piercing performed, can I donate? A: Yes, if the piercing was obtained at a facility that is approved by OBI. The facility must appear on our “Ear and Body Piercing Facilities” list. If you would like to know if a specific place is listed, please call 877-340-8777. Reference Oklahoma blood institute website (Obi.org)

7.  Q: If I’ve recently traveled to Mexico on vacation can I donate? A:Yes, if you stayed within the confines of a tourist or resort area while vacationing in Cancun or Cozumel. This is the case for most major cruise destinations. Please check any specific locale with the screener at time of donation or call 877-340-8777. Reference Oklahoma blood institute website (Obi.org)

8.  Q:Should I wait for a local emergency or natural disaster to donate? A:Patients in the hospitals we serve need blood everyday. Your donation is, literally, a matter of life and death to someone in need of it. Typically, there is a two-day period from the time of donation until that blood is available to a patient, so we must have blood available before an emergency or natural disaster occurs. Reference Oklahoma blood institute website (Obi.org)

9.  Pick up forms in student services or your 6 th hour teacher on Wednesday Feb. 27  If 16 or 17 must be signed by parent  Must be turned in to your 6 th hour teacher or to student services by this Friday Reference Oklahoma blood institute website (Obi.org)