Our Blood Institute Issues Emergency Blood Appeal

June 17, 2026 — Our Blood Institute is declaring an emergency blood shortage and asking donors of all blood types, especially O-negative and B-negative, to give immediately as blood inventory levels continue to decline and hospitals rely on a shrinking supply to support patient care.

As of June 15, O-negative inventory stood at just 65 units, representing less than a one-day supply.

The situation has become especially urgent because efforts to import enough O-negative blood from other blood centers to support OBI's needs were unsuccessful. Blood centers across the country are facing similar shortages, leaving little excess inventory available to share.

"Typically, when inventories become critically low, blood centers can work together to move blood products where they are needed most," said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. "Right now, there simply isn't a safety net. Communities across the country are facing the same challenges, making local blood donation more important than ever."

Without immediate donor help, hospitals may be forced to delay some surgeries and non emergency procedures in order to preserve blood for trauma patients, cancer treatments, childbirth complications and other life-threatening emergencies.

While donations of all blood types are urgently needed, O-negative and B-negative donors are especially encouraged to give. O-negative blood is known as the universal blood type because it can be safely transfused to patients of any blood type during emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient's blood type. It is frequently used in trauma situations and is often the first blood administered to critically injured patients.

WHAT:
Emergency Blood Appeal

WHY:
Blood inventory levels have fallen to critically low levels. As of Monday afternoon, Our Blood Institute had just 65 units of O-negative blood on its shelves, less than a one-day supply. Attempts to import additional O-negative blood from another blood center were unsuccessful because blood centers nationwide are experiencing similar shortages. Without additional donations, hospitals may face delays in surgeries and other procedures.

WHEN:
Effective immediately

WHERE:
All Our Blood Institute donor centers and mobile blood drives

WE ARE ASKING:
Donors of all blood types to schedule a donation as soon as possible, with a special need for O negative and B-negative donors.

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.

Our Blood Institute is the seventh-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 280 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances across all three states.