Latest news with #OurBloodInstitute
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What is the 'Oklahoma Standard'? What to know about the saying and its tie to OKC bombing
Thirty years ago, a tragedy left its mark on Oklahoma City and the state, but out of it came a spirit of resilience and unity known as the "Oklahoma Standard." Born out of the response to the Oklahoma City bombing, it's something Oklahomans pride themselves on, and it gets them through hard times. Here's what you need to know about the Oklahoma Standard and how it relates to the Oklahoma City bombing. The Oklahoma City bombing: A timeline of events, the aftermath Dubbed as such by the news media and first responders, then-Gov. Frank Keating said the Oklahoma Standard was represented by "aggressively generous" Oklahomans in the aftermath of the bombing, Keating told The Oklahoman in 2021. The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum officially defines the Oklahoma Standard as "a statewide initiative preserving and promoting a culture of caring citizens by encouraging acts of service, honor and kindness." More: For Bill Clinton, the Oklahoma City bombing isn't just history — it's personal Today and in the 30 years since the bombing, the Oklahoma Standard has been seen in responses to everything from tornadoes, floods and other natural disasters, the global pandemic, economic downturns and more. At the end of the day, the Oklahoma Standard is about "people helping people," Kari Watkins, executive director of the Memorial and Museum, told the Oklahoman in 2021. But what exactly did Oklahomans do to inspire this spirit they aim to live by? More than 7,000 Oklahomans lined up to give blood in the days following the bombing, according to Our Blood Institute. Oklahomans opened up their homes, provided meals and other donations for the first responders that dug through the rubble finding both survivors and those killed. "New Yorkers told me, 'The first Trade Center bombing we had to pay $5 for a sack of ice,'" Keating told The Oklahoman. "In Oklahoma, the laundry was free, the meals were free. Anywhere in the city you went, you never got a bill." Many would say this spirit of generosity has been part of the state since it was founded, according to the museum, and that it was only given a name when those from the outside noticed how different Oklahomans' response was. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Standard: What to know about the saying, its tie to OKC bombing
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Got Blood? OBI needs donors as blood shortage continues
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Our Blood Institute is asking the community to consider donating blood as impending weather could cause the loss of hundreds of blood units. There is a blood shortage, and the incoming cold weather could cause OBI to lose over 100 units within the next week. They are urgently seeking donors, and this is how you can help. There will be two blood drives on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Locations are Kell West Regional Hospital Blood Drive, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and YMCA Bill Bartley Branch Blood Drive, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Arkansas Our Blood Institute asks for donations to combat blood shortage
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Our Blood Institute in Little Rock is asking the community for donations to combat the struggle of a blood shortage. Officials listed several causes for the blood shortage including recent illness outbreaks, cancelations due to severe weather and donors falling out of the routine of giving blood. Flu season in the US is the most intense it's been in at least 15 years Arkansas health officials reported high flu activity in the state, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu season in the United States is the most intense it has been in 15 years. Officials also said that blood centers are struggling nationwide due to other centers diverting their reserve and sharing supplies to assist. 'The situation is dire,' Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute, said. 'It's like discovering your pantry is empty just when you need to prepare a meal—except the stores are closed, and the shelves are bare. We must act now to replenish the supply before things become a lot worse than a missed lunch or dinner.' Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces 'Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act' for maternal health Blood donations are important for cancer patients, burn survivors, mothers giving birth and others dealing with life-threatening conditions, OBI officials said. Anyone 16 years or older and healthy can give blood. One donation usually takes about an hour and can save up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 877-340-8777 or online at Walk-ins are available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
OU Children's Hospital raising awareness during American Heart Month
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – February is known as American Heart Month and OU Children's Hospital kicked it off by spreading awareness about the number one birth defect in children, which is congenital heart defects. 'Obviously it's tough losing a child, no matter how,' Blake Mills said. Mills lost his son Paxton in Dec. 2016, just less than a month after he was born, due to a devastating heart defect. Blake himself was diagnosed as a child with a heart defect as well. 11-month-old returns home after groundbreaking heart transplant 'Because my son was here and had his treatment here, I realized there was a place for adults to get congenital heart defects fixed as well,' Mills said. OU Children's Hospital is highlighting congenital heart defects this week to raise awareness. Over a year after Blake's son died, he absorbed the news that he needed a second open heart surgery. 'I believe that my son led me to this hospital to have a normal, healthy life and as I said earlier, he's my hero for that,' Mills said. About 500 babies are born with congenital heart defects each year in Oklahoma. Half of them only need to be monitored. The other half will need surgery. 'With 25 percent of them needing that done in the first year of life,' Dr. Harold Burkhart, a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, said. Our Blood Institute encourages Oklahomans to donate Fortunately, a vast majority of children who have heart surgeries will lead normal lives. 'Improved treatment has led to more people with congenital heart disease living longer,' Tracy Cothran said. The president of children's services at OU Health. 'That's a wonderful outcome.' With a mended heart, Mills is now helping others in honor of his son through an organization called mended little hearts. They help families going through similar medical treatments. You can find more about them here. Last October, OU Children's Hospital performed a successful heart transplant on a child, which was the state's first in 30 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
OKC's Household Hazardous Waste Ctr. set to close for 30 days
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Starting February 11, the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will temporarily close for maintenance, says City leaders. The center is scheduled to re-open March 13. According to the City, the maintenance is needed as floors will be refinished with a protective coating, which prevents the migration of hazardous chemicals through the Center's concrete flooring. Additionally, the upkeep is for safety of employees and the protection of the environment. 'Generally, the floor coating must be replaced every 10 years, and we have exceeded the effective life of the current coating,' Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center Manager Lyndel Gibson said. Our Blood Institute encourages Oklahomans to donate The facility closure will also focus on crew rooms, offices and public spaces to be updated. 'As all facility services will be unavailable during this time, we ask residents to please collect and save all their household hazardous waste until the facility reopens to the public in March,' Environmental Protection Superintendent Derek Johnson said. Click here to view what products are accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center's webpage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
