By Sharmina Manandhar, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office

The Chickasaw Nation Division of Health, in affiliation with People's Electric Cooperative, Valley View Regional Hospital and Oklahoma Blood Institute, is conducting the second annual "Ada All-American Blood Drive" 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2011 at PEC headquarters located at 1600 North Country Club Road in Ada, Okla.

The blood drive aims to replenish the local blood reserve in a time when there is decline in blood donations. July is traditionally a "low-supply" month for blood reserves as donors get involved in various seasonal activities and overlook blood donation.

Healthy individuals who are at least 18 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds are encouraged to donate blood at the event, in addition to healthy 17-year-olds weighing at least 125 pounds. Healthy 16-year-olds weighing at least 125 pounds must have a signed parental permission to donate blood.

Each donor will receive a "Feel Strong – Give Blood" t-shirt, two admission vouchers to the Oklahoma City Zoo and two admission vouchers to an Oklahoma City RedHawks game and will be entered in numerous prize drawings. Hot dogs and drinks will be served at the event.

For more information, contact Debbie Jackson at (580) 421-4587.