The Third Annual Tribal Blood Drive Challenge resulted in Choctaw Nation receiving two of the three awards. The tribe coordinated efforts to collect more than 1,700 blood draws with 108% of what Our Blood Institute (OBI) projected to be collected and the most overall blood draws. The participating tribes collected a combined 3,702 draws equating to approximately 11,106 lives saved.
“Each year, the Choctaw associates and tribal members have shown up and donated,” said Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation. “The giving spirit of our tribe continues to amaze me. I’m accepting these awards, but you all are the ones who made it possible and continue to give blood to save lives at every chance.”
Blood drives were held all across the reservation at clinics and casinos. “I’m so grateful for all of our site coordinators,” says Brenda Gabbart, coordinator for the Tribal Blood Drive Challenge. “Without them giving localized support and rallying their communities, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
The challenge runs from August 1 to January 31 each year. “Although the challenge isn’t currently running, we support OBI and hold blood drives year-round to help the people in our communities,” said Gabbart.
