January 5, 2022 Issue, Page 10 of 10

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10 Community January 5, 2022 Oklahoma Blood Institute Offers Expanded COVID-19 Antibody Testing New testing capabilities measure immune response OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 3, age, OBI president and CEO. ering with friends and family. 2022 - Blood donors will know “COVID will continue to be a Oklahoma Blood Institute more about the status of their major concern through 2022 has performed antibody test- immunity to COVID-19 thanks and, in fact, over the next to a new antibody testing several years. We are commit- ing of hundreds of thousands method offered by the Okla- ted to providing donors valu- of donors in several previous homa Blood Institute. able information about their phases of the pandemic. The new testing runs Jan. health from blood samples we The need for immediate 3-31 and individual results will routinely collect, including im- blood donations remains criti- give donors a broader under- mune responsiveness to CO- cally high in Oklahoma and December Oiler’s standing of their bodies’ im- mune response, whether those antibodies come from natural VID and metabolic function from total cholesterol screen- ings. We are fortunate to of- throughout the country. Blood is needed every two seconds infection or the vaccine and fer these services through our of the Month boosters. Previously, Oklahoma own labs, without the need to outsource testing.” and has no substitute. Donat- ing blood takes about an hour Blood Institute’s ability to test As understanding of the and can save the lives of up to 7th grade: Trace Touchstone for donors’ COVID exposure virus advances, knowing if an three local patients. 8th grade: Austin Smith was limited to a detectable im- individual has detectable im- 9th grade: Gracie Carnes Oklahoma Blood Insti- mune response from prior in- munity to COVID may well 10th grade: Dawson Michel tute supports the inventory fection. The improved method be beneficial in future health 11th grade: Serenity Leverett (Not pictured) for patients in more than 160 will also detect if an individual decisions, including assess- 12th grade: Coby Skelton hospitals, medical facilities has antibodies from receipt of ing the risk of reinfection or Senior a COVID-19 vaccine. transmission. Being aware of and air ambulances statewide. Coby Skelton “Offering this important individual’s immune status Appointments can be made Parents Brent and Julie Skelton knowledge to our donors is just could eventually factor into in- one more way we are proud formed decisions around tim- by calling 1-877-340-8777 or Activities Basketball, Stu Co, Church visiting obi.org. More informa- Plans to attend college and possibly major in Physical Therapy to positively impact public ing booster vaccines, attending health,” said Dr. John Armit- large public gatherings or gath- tion can be found at obi.org. “Start your cattle off Bring Comfort Home right in 2022 with the right nutrition.” For Less In 2022 PROTEIN TUBS 10% OFF Hi Pro Protein tubs are a free choice supplement designed for beef cattle on forage diets providing Reclining Sofas less than 8% protein. The low moisture, cooked Add the Loveseat and take molasses products are in non-returnable plastic containers or biodegradable tubs that will enhance intake and utilization of available forages, while reducing labor for producers. 15% OFF Add the Recliner and take 20% OFF All Three Piecies! Purchase ANY King or Queen a n c i ng % Fin h s 0 m on t Bedroom set and Save or 12 f 20% off the Mattress Set! W.A.C Products: Hi-Pro 25% Tub w/ 5% Fat Hi-Pro 38% Hi-Energy Tub w/ 12% Fat ������� �� Both ���������������� available in � �� �������� plastic ����������������� or bio tub. FARMERS UNION CO-OP Best Prices in Town • 50,000 SQ. FT. Showroom 720 SOUTH MAIN ST. ELK CITY, OK 580-225-0191 3105 West 3rd St, Elk City • 580-303-4845 elkcitycoop.com (Next To Tractor Supply) Send your photos to [email protected] with a description for a chance to be featured!