Donor Champions Take the Court
Donor Champions Take the Court: Score a Basketball T-shirt When You Donate Blood
March 5, 2026 ─ It is officially game time. Our Blood Institute is inviting the community to step onto the court and make a winning play for patients in local hospitals.
All donors who donate at the following blood drives, will receive a limited-edition Donor Champions basketball themed T-shirt as a thank you for showing up when it matters most.
- Braum’s Van Buren Blood Drive; Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the bloodmobile.
- Walmart Van Buren Blood Drive; Friday, March 27, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the bloodmobile.
Whether you are a die-hard basketball fan or just love being part of a team, every donation is a clutch play for patients who depend on blood for trauma care, cancer treatments, surgeries and emergencies. There is no offseason when it comes to the need for blood.
“Donors are truly our champions,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “They show up day after day to help patients win their toughest battles. This campaign is our way of celebrating the teamwork, commitment and heart it takes to keep hospitals supplied with lifesaving blood.”
Blood is needed every day, but donations often slow down during late winter and early spring. By rolling up a sleeve, donors help keep hospitals from falling behind when patient needs are at their highest.
Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old* or older can give blood. Donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome.
*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.
###
Our Blood Institute is the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation, with 17 donor centers in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. OBI is the nonprofit blood provider for patients at more than 240 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances across all three states.
