Blood donor scarcity: Oklahoma man shares how donations saved his life

January is National Blood Donor Month, and Our Blood Institute in Oklahoma is looking for additional donors to maintain a steady surplus for when emergencies happen.

Emergencies, like that of Oklahoma resident Benjamin Curry, often require donated blood to save a patient's life.

Curry was diagnosed with COVID-19, and while undergoing treatment, lost a significant amount of blood while in the hospital.

"The worst part is when the doctor comes in and tells you it's time to call your kids and tell them goodbye," Curry said. "As far as we knew, we didn't know if I would wake up from it."

Curry had to be placed in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, also known as an ECMO machine, in order to save his life.

An ECMO machine works by providing prolonged support to a person's cardiac and respiratory systems when their own heart and lungs are not strong enough, keeping the blood in their body oxygenated long enough to give them time and strength to heal.

However, according to the National Library of Medicine, there is only a 61% chance of survival for ECMO patients. Despite the risk, Curry says if it wasn't for blood donations, he knows he would have died.

"It's just tough, but blood donations save lives," Curry said. "If you can come in here and do it, do it."

Due to receiving enough donated blood, Curry is now able to see his family again. Curry's daughter, who is training to become a nurse, says she hopes to save lives and help more people become aware of blood donor scarcity.

Our Blood Institute takes walk-in appointments Monday through Saturday. Hours are based on location.