Oklahoma Blood Institute will hold a blood drive in the Alva Community on Friday, March 20, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Alva Community Extreme Youth Center. Blood donors will receive a free, limited edition, “Save the Humans” T-shirt featuring a little green man.

“This is an out-of-this-world way for us to say ‘thank you’ to our donors in an extra(terrestrial) way. We truly appreciate those who take the time out of their day to help others ‘live long and prosper,’” said John Armitage, MD, president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “But the reality here on earth is that blood cannot be manufactured in a lab – it can only be given by our generous volunteer donors. Patients in local hospitals rely on blood transfusions throughout the year to fight cancer, blood disorders, other illnesses and injuries.”

Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and the supply must be constantly renewed. One blood donation only takes about an hour and saves up to three patients’ lives. If donors opt not to take the T-shirt, Oklahoma Blood Institute will make a monetary donation to Global Blood Fund for blood center assistance in developing countries.

Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by calling Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org.