Although the winter storm has moved out of the region, lingering ice, snow and sustained below-freezing temperatures continue to create hazardous travel conditions, resulting in ongoing challenges for healthcare systems and the local blood supply.

Since the winter weather began, 86 community blood drives have been canceled, resulting in the loss of more than 1,600 expected blood donations. With schools and universities remaining closed and donation opportunities still limited, Our Blood Institute is now missing an estimated 700 blood donations each day in educational drives alone.

These ongoing conditions are already impacting patient care. Our Blood Institute is experiencing significant shortages of platelets and O-negative blood, both of which are critical for trauma care, cancer treatments and emergency surgeries.

Earlier this month, Our Blood Institute declared an emergency blood shortage as inventories fell to critically low levels. Thanks to donors who answered the call, donation levels began to improve and helped stabilize the blood supply. However, the prolonged effects of this winter weather have quickly erased that progress, thrusting the blood supply back into an emergency shortage once again.

Unlike a typical winter event where communities rebound within a day or two, many side roads and neighborhoods remain unsafe to travel several days later due to persistent ice and refreezing. Our Blood Institute has experienced significant staffing challenges as employees continue to navigate dangerous road conditions.

“When freezing temperatures linger, the impact on the blood supply compounds quickly,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “We are incredibly grateful to the donors who stepped up earlier this month, but the reality is that even a few days of missed donations can quickly put patients at risk.”

All blood types are needed, with an urgent need for platelet donors and O-negative donors. Donation appointments remain available at Our Blood Institute donor centers for those who can safely travel. 

Community members are encouraged to donate when conditions improve, and it is safe to do so to help stabilize the blood supply for patients across the region.

To thank donors who give during these challenging conditions, all donors who give Wednesday through Friday will receive a blood donor sweatshirt, while supplies last. 

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. 

NORMAN – A back-and-forth second half went down to the final minute-and-a-half with #15/16 Arkansas pulling out an 83-79 victory over Oklahoma at the Sooners’ Lloyd Noble Center Tuesday night. Razorback rookies Daius Acuff Jr. (21 points and nine assists) and Meleek Thomas (16 points) combined for 24 second-half points to lead the way. 

Oklahoma’s Nigel Pack drained a 3-pointer with 1:27 left that put the Sooners up two (79-77). On the ensuing possession, Acuff went to the line and went 1-of-2 to cut the Razorback deficit to one. Arkansas got a stop on the defensive end and Acuff grabbed the rebound, went coast-to-coast and converted an old-fashion, 3-point play for a 2-point Arkansas lead with 20 seconds left.

On Oklahoma’s next possession, Trevon Brazile blocked a shot and Thomas got the rebound. He was fouled and made both free throws with 11 seconds left to seal the win. 

Arkansas, which entered the game leading the SEC in 3-point shooting, was just 2-of-17 from deep. However, the Razorbacks out-scored the Sooners, 56-30, in the paint and shot 71.7% (33-of-46) from 2-point range, the program’s sixth-best effort on 2-point attempts. 

On the defensive side, Oklahoma was 7-of-16 from 3-point range in the first half but the Hogs limited the Sooners to 3-of-11 beyond the arc in the second half. 

In addition to Acuff and Thomas, Arkansas got 12 points from Malique Ewin and 11 points from Karter Knox. Brazile put another solid stat line with seven points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots.

 Pack, who was 6-of-11 from 3PT, finished with a game-high 22 points. Mohamed Wague had 12 rebounds (six on the offensive end). 

Arkansas returns to Bud Walton Arena to host Kentucky on Saturday (Jan. 31). Tipoff is set for 5:30 pm (CT) and the game will be televised on ESPN.

Oklahoma market report for this week, sponsored by Rep. Rick West.

Funeral service for Michael Ray Teague, 77 of Conway, Arkansas (formerly of Poteau) is 2 p.m. on Friday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Pastor Phil McGehee officiating. Burial will follow at Milton Cemetery, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.

He was born on Jan. 6, 1949, in Poteau and was a proud veteran who received several accommodations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Sharpshooter Marksman, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Survivors are his brother, Johnny Teague; nieces Michelle Ross (Chris McCutcheon, Tanya Teague; and nephew Justin Teague (Amy Teague).

He was preceded in death by grandparents George Foster and Demarius Quick, grandparents Henry and Ida May Teague, father, Clayton Teague, mother, Beverly Luedke and Dennis Luedke; and his beloved sister, Shirley Teague Wynn.

You may leave an online message at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.