Saint Francis hosting 1st mobile platelet drive in northeast Oklahoma

Saint Francis Health System is teaming up with Our Blood Institute to launch northeast Oklahoma’s first-ever mobile platelet drive.

While the inaugural effort is limited to hospital staff, its larger goal is to raise public awareness about the critical importance of platelet donation.

Unlike traditional blood drives, this mobile event focuses solely on collecting platelets — a vital blood component essential for patients facing cancer treatments, surgeries and rare clotting disorders. Organizers hope the drive will inspire more Oklahomans to learn about platelet donation and consider giving.

Why Platelets Matter

Platelets play a life-saving role in helping blood clot. They’re frequently needed by patients undergoing chemotherapy, premature infants and trauma victims.

Unlike whole blood, which can be donated every 56 days, platelets can be donated every seven days, up to 24 times a year.

Despite their importance, platelet donations are far less common, in part due to misconceptions and the time commitment involved.

How Platelet Donation Works

The process involves a specialized machine that separates platelets from the donor’s blood and returns the remaining components, such as plasma and red cells, back into the body. This method takes longer than standard blood donation, typically ranging from 70 minutes to two hours.

Many potential donors are unfamiliar with the process or deterred by the length of time required, which can limit availability during urgent medical needs.

Saint Francis Hopes to Inspire

While the Drive is only open to employees of Saint Francis, the organization hopes to lead by example and to raise awareness for such a lifesaving donation.