Choctaw Nation Wins Tribal Blood Drive Challenge

DURANT, Okla. — The Choctaw Nation, along with three other tribes, helped save over 14,000 lives during the Our Blood Institute’s (OBI) Tribal Blood Drive Challenge held from August 1 to January 31 each year. Now in its fifth year, Choctaw Nation won both the “Large Tribe Highest Collector” and “Projection Accuracy” categories.

During the 2025 challenge, Choctaw Nation sponsored blood drives drawing 1,859 units. The tribe exceeded the goal of 1,822 blood draws. In total, the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee and Muscogee Creek tribes drew 4,907 blood products, almost reaching the goal of 5,058.

“Because we are a regional blood center, the impact is huge,” says OBI CEO Dr. John Armitage. “The blood supply from the Tribal Blood Drive Challenge reaches farther than our communities. It radiates from here, traveling to neighbor states and beyond.”

“While I’m honored to accept this award, it reflects the dedication of our associates and tribal members who consistently step up to give,” says Chief of the Choctaw Nation, Gary Batton. “Together, we’ve hosted over 1,000 blood drives and saved over 237,000 lives since 2004.”