COUNTY LIFE
Our Blood Institute launches blood donation appeal as inventory drops
WHAT:
Our Blood Institute is issuing a broad blood donation appeal after blood inventory levels dropped sharply, from approximately 5,200 units at this time last year to about 2,200 units today. To help stabilize supply, more than 400 units of O blood were recently imported from the East Coast, underscoring the urgent need for local donations, with a critical focus on O blood. Of deep concern for community preparedness, until very recently our region of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas was reliably and proudly self-sufficient.
WHY:
Donations of all blood types are needed to support patient care. However, declining participation among O blood donors has placed added strain on the blood supply.
Between 2020 and 2024, the O-negative donor base declined by 13%, while the O-positive donor base declined by 7%. Those declines have driven a gradual drop in overall blood availability that is creating a persistent worry for the strength of the transfusion safety net. While patient care needs remain steady, including trauma response, surgeries, childbirths and ongoing treatments, local inventory has not rebounded following the holidays.
O blood plays a unique and essential role in both emergency response and scheduled medical care. While every blood type is vital, maintaining adequate O blood inventory is critical to ensuring care is not delayed or disrupted.
WHEN:
Effective immediately
WHERE:
All Our Blood Institute donor centers and mobile blood drives
WE ARE ASKING:
Our Blood Institute is asking donors of all blood types to give, with a special call to eligible O-negative and O-positive donors to donate now. We are also encouraging recent donors to return and new donors to step forward to help ensure patients across our communities continue to receive the care they need.
HOW TO DONATE:
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.
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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.
National Weather Service Fort Worth report: We’re closing down the work week with another round of HOT and DRY weather. Much of the area will see an elevated fire weather threat again today! A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 pm this evening. More heat headlines likely this weekend and early next week
It’s time once again for the Montague County Cemetery Board Fish Fry.
The fish fry will begin serving at 5 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Forestburg Community Center. The price is $10 per person for all you can eat, and child’s plate for 12 and under is $5. Take-out is also available.
The meal will consist of locally caught crappie and catfish, French fries, beans, hushpuppies, coleslaw and all the trimmings and homemade desserts.
The main purpose of the Montague County Cemetery Board is to look after the county’s abandoned cemeteries. The county has between 50 and 60 abandoned cemeteries. Cleaning a cemetery typically cost between $1,500 and $2,000. Any help is greatly appreciated. Help can be monetary, but it can also be as simple as reporting a suspected lost cemetery, allowing access to the cemetery, or spending a day alongside others cleaning. Volunteers are always welcome.
Another goal of the Cemetery Board is to obtain Historical Status from the Texas Historical Commission for the abandoned cemeteries. This status records the cemetery with both the county and state. It helps to protect them for years to come.
Leadership Montague County is now accepting applications for its upcoming class. Deadline to submit an application is Sept. 1.
Individuals who are interested in strengthening their leadership skills, expanding their knowledge of Montague County and building lasting professional and community relationships are encouraged to apply.
The program is a nine-month leadership development program consisting of nine, one-day, monthly meetings. Participants will explore topics including local government, agriculture, education, healthcare, business and industry, public safety, economic development and community leadership through interactive sessions and site visits. The group will be traveling to Austin in the spring to visit with the legislators and senators and to see how they work for the county residents.
Leadership Montague County is designed for emerging and established leaders who have a desire to become more involved in improving the quality of life throughout Montague County.
Class size is limited, and early application is encouraged. For additional information or to request an application, contact: Leadership Montague County, j-hansard@tamu.edu or call 940-894-2831
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