Media Inquiries
Our Community Relations staff is available 24 hours a day to respond to media inquiries. Contact Leslie Gamble, Community Relations Director, at 405-278-3119 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with questions or to schedule an interview.
TBI – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
April 23, 2012 - Texas Blood Institute (TBI) is actively seeking volunteers. Opportunities for camaraderie, community service and skill development exist in offices, donor centers and at mobile blood drives. Flexible times and a variety of medically-related and administrative roles are available. Anyone 16 or older can inquire about volunteering with Texas Blood Institute.
Some volunteers are loyal blood donors and want to help in additional ways. Others are not able to give blood but realize its life-saving importance. Through volunteer roles, they greatly contribute to Texas Blood Institute’s live-saving mission.
“We value our volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and interests,” said John Armitage, M.D., Texas Blood Institute president and CEO. “Together, they give in a variety of fulfilling roles and also contribute a positive spirit that’s unsurpassed!”
Click here, for information about volunteer opportunities in your area.
Spring Is A Great Time To Give
March 1, 2012 ─ Texas Blood Institute (TBI) encourages all healthy adults, 16 and older*, to donate blood during March to save the lives of those in our community hospitals. All blood donors will receive an insulated travel cup, free health screenings and Donor Rewards Points. “This month—especially with spring break—fewer people typically donate,” said John Armitage, Texas Blood Institute president and CEO. “But the blood needs for patients in our local hospitals remains.”
Additionally, if blood donors choose to forgo the donor appreciation item, funds designated for this item will be directed to our partnering organization, the American Heart Association. Texas Blood Institute and the American Heart Association (AHA) share a common goal, to keep people healthy. The American Heart Association wants everyone to know their numbers and act on them. That’s the first step in changing cardiovascular health statistics. Because blood donors receive a mini health check, including blood pressure and cholesterol results, every time they come to donate, those numbers are readily available to each donor.
Although all blood types are needed to maintain TBI’s typical 3-day supply, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation, regardless of type.
Schedule your donation today at our donor center in Wichita Falls or at a mobile drive near you.
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
‘Share the love’ this February
February 1, 2012 ─ ‘Share the love’ this February by donating blood with Texas Blood Institute TBI. All donors in February will receive an TBI ice scraper, free health screenings and Donor Rewards Points.
Additionally, if blood donors choose to forgo the donor appreciation item, funds designated for this item will be directed to our partnering organization, the American Heart Association. Texas Blood Institute and the American Heart Association (AHA) share a common goal, to keep people healthy. The American Heart Association wants everyone to know their numbers and act on them. That’s the first step in changing cardiovascular health statistics. Because blood donors receive a mini health check, including blood pressure and cholesterol results, every time they come to donate, those numbers are readily available to each donor.
“As the winter months come to a close, it’s important for donors to continue giving,” said John Armitage, Texas Blood Institute president and CEO. “The weather remains unpredictable, but the need for blood remains steady.”
Although all blood types are needed to maintain TBI’s typical 3-day supply, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation, regardless of their type.
Blood donations can be made every 56 days. Texas Blood Institute is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America, providing every drop of blood needed by patients in more than 8 medical facilities in the North Central Texas counties of Baylor, Wichita, Clay, Hardeman and Wilbarger.
Schedule an appointment at on of our donor centers or at a mobile drive, today!
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
National Blood Donor Month
January 1, 2012 - Texas Blood Institute (TBI) volunteer blood donors save lives. We all know it, but how often are we affected by it? Thousands of people in our state are alive today because blood donors helped them survive accidents, surgeries, chemotherapies or other serious health threats. Texas Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in 8 hospitals in North Central Texas thanks to its volunteer donors.
For instance, patients like Lauryn Watkins. Lauryn is a vibrant six-year old girl with a contagious smile and inspiring attitude. But in February of 2010, Lauryn’s family was faced with devastating news: Lauryn was diagnosed with Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It began with symptoms similar to a sinus infection. Rounds of antibiotics provided no relief, and intense leg pains were so terrible at times, Lauryn was forced to crawl.
After two bone marrow biopsies, numerous spinal taps, doses of intense chemotherapy drugs and blood transfusions, Lauryn’s cancer is now in remission, and her treatment is in the maintenance stage.
In August of 2011, Lauryn and her family were able to meet three of the six donors whose blood Lauryn had received. As with all TBI donors, they gave not knowing who would receive their blood, or what kind of impact it would have.
“I remember the first time Lauryn received blood and all the many thoughts and questions that were racing through my mind,” said Sherri Ellis, Lauryn’s mom. “It was such an honor to shake the hands and hug the necks of the individuals who took the time to donate blood to a complete stranger, someone you never expected to meet.”
Thanks to volunteer blood donors, Lauryn now enjoys dance, gymnastics, school and friends.
January is National Blood Donor Month – the perfect time for first-time blood donors and those who donate regularly, to remember the reason for giving blood and the impact we all can make for families like Lauryn’s.
All healthy adults are encouraged to give blood. Age and weight criteria:
- 16 years old; ≥ 125 lbs. with parental consent
- 17 years old; ≥ 125 lbs.
- 18 years or older; ≥ 110 lbs.
Getting older does not make people ineligible to donate. People who feel well and can do normal day-to-day activities can probably donate. People can give blood every 56 days.
The need for blood is constant. Patients in Texas hospitals have needs 365 days a year, whether it’s for scheduled treatments or for emergencies. Since there is no substitute for human blood, supplies must be constantly renewed.
Find a blood drive near you or visit our Wichita Falls donor centers to give blood.
Help save the life of someone in our community hospitals!
November 1, 2011 ─ Texas Blood Institute (TBI) encourages you to donate blood to save the lives of those in our community hospitals. Each blood donor will also receive a donor T-shirt, free health screening, and Donor Rewards Points that can be redeemed at TBI’s online store.
Donors at this drive can also support the Global Blood Fund. If a donor chooses to forgo the appreciation item, funds designated for that item will be redirected to a partnering organization. It’s a chance for Texans to “doubly give” by providing a blood donation and supporting research and treatment initiatives in developing countries around the world.
“Although all blood types are needed to maintain our typical 3-day supply, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate,” states John Armitage, M. D., Texas Blood Institute President and CEO. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation, regardless of type.
Whole blood donations can be made every 56 days. Texas Blood Institute is a non-profit, regional blood center. It is the sole source of blood for patients in the eight hospitals in the counties of Archer, Baylor, Clay, Foard, Hardeman, Wichita and Wilbarger. Hospitals served include Kell West Regional Hospital, Wichita Falls; Electra Memorial Hospital, Electra; United Regional, Wichita Falls; Clay County Memorial Hospital, Henrietta; Chillicothe Hospital, Chillicothe; Wilbarger General Hospital, Vernon; Hardeman County Memorial Hospital, Quanah; and Seymour Hospital, Seymour.
Schedule an appointment at a blood drive near you or our donor center!
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Contributions Will Bring Bloodmobile To Texas
Thanks to the generosity of the Priddy Foundation and the Bryant Edwards Foundation, Texas Blood Institute will soon have a new bloodmobile.
Both foundations are based in Wichita Falls, TX, and support initiatives in human services, education, the arts and health, which offer significant potential for individual development and community improvement. Texas Blood Institute was awarded $115,000 from The Priddy Foundation and $20,000 from the Bryant Edwards Foundation for a combined gift of $135,000.
“These considerable gifts will have a major impact on the blood supply for Wichita Falls and surrounding communities,” said Gary Lynch, development director. “Bloodmobiles make it much more convenient for people to give blood when taken to outlying towns and businesses, schools and other locations where area donors are eager to give.”
To learn how you or your organization can financially support our local, life-saving mission, please contact Gary Lynch at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 405-278-5545.
Make Blood Donation a Priority This Fall
October 1, 2011 ─ Donors with Texas Blood Institute (TBI) this fall will receive a T-shirt, health screenings and Donor Rewards Points, redeemable for merchandise in TBI’s online store, when they donate blood. Anyone who is generally healthy and 16 or older* can donate blood.
“TBI is very fortunate to have such loyal, giving blood donors,” said Dr. John Armitage, TBI president and CEO. “In order to maintain our three-day supply of blood, it is important for blood donors to donate as often as they are able.”
Donors can also support the Global Blood Fund by forgoing the T-shirt offered for donating blood. In this way, donor can doubly give – both by donating life-saving blood used locally, and by assisting blood centers in developing countries with supplies.
Although all blood types are needed, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.
Texas Blood Institute is a non-profit, regional blood center. It is the sole source of blood for patients in the eight hospitals in the North Central Texas counties of Baylor, Wichita, Clay, Hardeman and Wilbarger. Hospitals served include Kell West Regional Hospital, Wichita Falls; Electra Memorial Hospital, Electra; United Regional, Wichita Falls; Clay County Memorial Hospital, Henrietta; Chillicothe Hospital, Chillicothe; Wilbarger General Hospital, Vernon; Hardeman County Memorial Hospital, Quanah; and Seymour Hospital, Seymour.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact Texas Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or click here to schedule online.
* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Donors save up to three lives
September 1, 2011 ─ Donors this fall will not only be saving up to three lives with each donation, they’ll also receive a T-shirt, health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable for items in TBI’s online store.
“Patients have needs 365-days-a-year,” said Dr. John Armitage, TBI president and CEO. “We are grateful to our donors and drive sponsors for encouraging blood donation this fall.”
Because there is no substitute for blood, the supply must constantly be renewed.
Although all blood types are needed, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.
Texas Blood Institute is a non-profit, regional blood center. It is the sole source of blood for patients in the eight hospitals in the North Central Texas counties of Baylor, Wichita, Clay, Hardeman and Wilbarger.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact Texas Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or schedule online at a mobile drive or our donor center now.
*16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
“Blood Thanks & Giving Day” August 2
July 19, 2011 ─ Texas Blood Institute (TBI) encourages Texans to participate in “Blood Thanks & Giving Day” Tuesday, August 2. This is a day to celebrate those whose lives have been saved by loyal, blood donors.
Anyone who has received blood is encouraged to show gratitude by sharing the story of how blood donation affected his/her life. When blood recipients fill out cards to share the stories at the Texas Blood Institute donor center, not only will they be an encouragement to blood donors, but will also receive “I’m Alive Thanks to A Blood Donor” T-shirts.
Those, 16 and older, and generally, in good health, can donate blood. Blood can be donated every 56 days.
One blood donation can save up to three peoples’ lives. Yet, of those eligible to donate blood in the U.S., less than ten percent actually donate each year.
“Blood given with Texas Blood Institute meets the needs of those in north central Texas communities,” said Dr. John Armitage, Oklahoma Blood Institute president and CEO. “So blood donors know they are saving the lives of their friends, family and co-workers. Some may have no idea they will need blood in an urgent situation.”
People who have had surgeries and returned to good health can donate blood as early as two weeks after their procedures. Those who receive blood during surgery can give blood after a year. Cancer survivors can donate just one year after being cancer free, except for those who have had hematologic blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
