Vickie Holkum

READY TO REV: Vickie Holkum of the Oklahoma Blood Institute in Tulsa and Kyle Lee of Creek Nation Casino show off the 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited that will be given away Aug. 23 by their businesses.

Vicki Holkum, director of the Oklahoma Blood Institute's Tulsa center, encouraged Tulsans to pledge to donate blood at least three times a year.

"It's safe, it's simple and it saves lives," Holkum said.

The institute is calling for double red blood cell donations, known as 2RBC.This process uses a smaller needle and doesn't actually remove blood, she said.

DRIVE KICK-OFF: From left: OBI Director Vickie Holkum, Susan G. Komen-Tulsa Executive Director Christy Southard, OBI Associate Medical Director Jean Forsberg, 20-year breast cancer survivor Carol Southard, breast cancer survivor Audrey Reeves, five-year breast cancer survivor and Susan G. Komen-Tulsa Board of Directors member Kay Cowan and breast cancer survivor Shana Lamons.

OBI manager Vickie Holkum: "You can give blood and when you give blood you are just making sure that it's going to be on the shelf for you, your friends and your loved ones."

More than 1,200 units of blood were used last Memorial Day weekend.

Left Row (front to back): Theresa Wiley (Donor Services Manager); Belline Kubalek (Volunteer); Keri Jenkins (Blood Program Consultant); Jackie Reynolds (Volunteer); Charlene McWilliams (Volunteer) Right Row: (front to back): Vickie Holkum (Center Manager); Linda Kelly (Volunteer); Cindy Jenkins (Volunteer); Dean Moncrief (Volunteer).

Vickie HolkumOklahoma Blood Institute

Vickie Holkum, Manager 4601 E. 81st St. Tulsa, OK 74136Phone: 477.0409Fax: 477.0440

Vickie Holkum, Manager4601 East 81st StreetTulsa, OK 74137Phone: 477-0400Fax: 477-0440