Oklahoma became the first state in the nation to pass legislation encouraging blood donation through business tax policy.

The legislation will increase donations from volunteer blood donors by offering businesses tax relief to recoup lost wages and productivity occurring as a result of onsite blood drives hosted during work hours.

“Senate Bill 905 is a national model for how public-private partnership can improve our blood supply, improve patient care and strengthen communities,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “We’re thankful to Senator Bullard, Representative Davis, and Governor Stitt for their support of blood donation and for making this legislation a reality. We are pleased that Wisconsin has already passed similar legislation, adopting the model created here in Oklahoma. Hopefully other states will follow.”

The blood supply depends on the generosity and community spirit of hundreds of businesses which host thousands of drives each year and make giving an easy option for their employees. Without this widespread access to donors, the supply of blood would literally run out.

The legislation goes into effect in Oklahoma on November 1. Employers who host a blood drive by an Oklahoma nonprofit blood donation organization at their business will receive a $20 income tax credit for each verified blood donation made by their employees. The blood drive cannot be open to non-employees. Effective for tax years 2022 through 2027, total credits are capped at $500,000 per year.

“At Oklahoma Blood Institute, we’re always working for the strongest blood supply possible,” Armitage said. “Now, we have another tool in our arsenal to do just that.”

To learn more, call 877-340-8777.

Oklahoma Blood Institute is the 6th-largest independent blood center in the nation, providing more than 90% of Oklahoma’s blood supply to over 160 hospitals and medical facilities. It routinely provides public health screening for cholesterol, high blood pressure, anemia, and infectious diseases to donors. For more information, visit obi.org.