News · Published February 1, 2026 · Updated May 2, 2026

Winter Storms Wiped Out 100 Oklahoma Blood Drives — Here's How to Help

Q: How much of Oklahoma's blood supply comes from school and college blood drives?

30 to 40 percent of Our Blood Institute's collections come from high school and college blood drives, according to OBI public relations manager Jacklyn Chappell. When schools close for weather, that pipeline shuts off.

Just as Our Blood Institute had begun rebuilding from January's emergency shortage, late-month winter storms canceled nearly 100 blood drives statewide. School and college closures cut off 30 to 40% of OBI's normal collection pipeline overnight, pushing the nonprofit back into its second emergency declaration in six weeks.

The Arctic Blast that broke the supply

"We had to declare an emergency. This is the second time we had to declare it," Jacklyn Chappell, OBI's public relations manager, told News9 on February 1, 2026. "We did it more in the first two weeks of January and then we had dug ourselves out of it thanks to wonderful donors who came in. And then we ended up with the Arctic Blast."

The number that stops you cold: 30 to 40% of OBI's collections come from high school and college blood drives. When schools close for weather, that pipeline shuts off entirely. KTUL had reported a parallel pattern earlier in a January 25 story that flagged platelet donors as the most urgent need — platelets only last five days, so even brief interruptions create real patient-care risk.

What's happening nationally

It's not just Oklahoma. The American Red Cross declared a severe national blood shortage in early February 2026, citing winter storms, the worst flu season in years, and depressed donation rates across the country. KGOU's Oklahoma NPR coverage noted the shortage is most acute for platelets and types O, A-negative, and B-negative.

The Red Cross said it supplies about 40% of the nation's blood and is offering incentives to bring donors back: a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX for donors who give through January 25, and a $20 e-gift card for donors who give between January 26 and February 28.

What Oklahoma needs right now

Platelet donors — the highest-priority need. Platelet donations take 90-120 minutes but you can donate up to 24 times per year. They're critical for cancer patients in active treatment.
O-negative and O-positive whole blood — still depleted from January's emergency.
Anyone willing to donate — Chappell put it directly: "We'll always take any blood type. A lot of people don't know their blood type. That's OK. Come in and donate. We'll tell you what your blood type is."

If you've avoided donating because of common myths — read this

Three of the most common reasons people skip donating turn out not to apply to most donors:

Diabetes — well-controlled Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics can donate.
Tattoos — if your tattoo was at a state-regulated shop with sterile needles, you can donate immediately. Three-month wait only if it was in an unregulated setting.
High blood pressure — if it's controlled (under 180/100), you can typically donate. Take your medications as prescribed.

Find your nearest center

OBI's donor centers stayed open through the storms — many even opened on Sundays during the emergency. Walk-ins are welcome.

Schools may be closed. Donor centers aren't.

An hour of your time can replace what the storms took. Find your nearest Oklahoma center.

Schedule Your Donation

Frequently asked questions

How much of Oklahoma's blood supply comes from school and college blood drives?

30 to 40 percent of OBI's collections come from high school and college blood drives, according to OBI public relations manager Jacklyn Chappell. When schools close for weather, that pipeline shuts off.

How many blood drives were canceled by the winter storms?

Nearly 100 blood drives were canceled across Oklahoma during the late-January 2026 Arctic Blast. The cancellations triggered OBI's second emergency blood shortage declaration in six weeks.

Are platelets needed too?

Yes. Platelets have only a five-day shelf life, so even short interruptions in donations create shortages. Platelet donors are urgently needed for cancer patients undergoing treatment, surgery patients, and trauma cases.

Can I still donate blood if I have a tattoo?

Yes, in most cases. If your tattoo was applied at a state-regulated facility using sterile, single-use needles and ink, you can typically donate immediately. If the tattoo was applied in an unregulated setting, you must wait three months. The same rules apply to piercings and microblading.

Sources

News9 — Why Oklahoma is facing an emergency blood shortage after winter weather (February 1, 2026)
KTUL — Winter storm strains Oklahoma blood supply; platelet donors urgently needed (January 25, 2026)
KTUL — Red Cross urges blood donations as supply drops to critical levels (January 20, 2026)
KGOU — Red Cross declares severe blood shortage (February 10, 2026)

This article summarizes public reporting on Oklahoma's winter 2026 blood shortage. Always confirm donor center hours and policies at the time of your visit. Blood donation is a medical procedure with potential risks. Answer all health questions honestly and follow staff instructions.