This summer, Our Blood Institute is celebrating the comforting power of its BloodHounds Therapy Dog Program with Dog Days of Summer, a special donor campaign inspired by the four-legged friends who bring smiles, calm and encouragement to blood donors, patients and staff.

Our Blood Institute will host the following blood drives in Van Buren:

• Walmart Van Buren; Saturday, August 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the bloodmobile.

All successful blood donors will receive a limited-edition Dog Days of Summer T-shirt featuring three canine companions and playful dog-themed messages that recognize the lifesaving impact of blood donors. Donors will also receive a BloodHounds dog bandana for their own four-legged companion and a free ticket to the theme park of their choice, including Frontier City, Hurricane Harbor or Magic Springs Theme and Water Park.

The campaign highlights OBI's BloodHounds Therapy Dog Program and the special role therapy dogs play in creating a welcoming experience for donors and providing comfort throughout the organization. Just as therapy dogs help lift spirits, blood donors help ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients facing cancer treatments, surgeries, traumatic injuries and other medical emergencies.

Summer is one of the most challenging times of year for the blood supply. Vacations, changing schedules and school breaks often lead to fewer donations, even though the need for blood never takes time off.

"Therapy dogs have a remarkable ability to bring comfort, connection and joy to the people they meet," said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. "Blood donors make that same kind of impact every day by giving patients hope when they need it most."

Blood donation takes about an hour, but the impact can last a lifetime. Just one donation can help save up to three lives.

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 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 240 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances across all three states.