The state faces a desperate need for blood.That’s the message from the Oklahoma Blood Institute. The agency said hospitals are using nearly 10% more blood than before, driving up the need for more donors. “We’ve talked to a lot of our hospital partners and they’re seeing a lot of traffic in their operating rooms,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Blood Institute.Armitage said the organization has seen an increase in blood demand for about six weeks. He partly attributes this to a feeling of confidence many people have after getting vaccinated that allows them to get surgeries they put off last year.What about being vaccinated and giving blood?“If you’ve had the vaccination, you can certainly give with us. There is no deferral,” Armitage said. Being vaccinated is not a requirement to donate. Oklahoma Blood Institute recommends holding off until a donor feels fine if they’re feeling sick. Oklahoma Blood Institute says donating blood is another way – like getting a vaccine – to help the community."We need blood so neighbors can get their surgeries done and we take stress off the health care folks," Armitage said.One donated unit can help three people. OBI has added blood drives to its schedule, but donors can make appointments directly with the organization. If you donate before April 30, you’ll get a free shirt and an entry into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.