The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma produced a record-setting performance in the 2024 Tribal Blood Drive Challenge, bringing home multiple honors from the Our Blood Institute, including first place in both most blood collected by a large tribe and projection accuracy.
The Choctaw Nation surpassed its projection goal by collecting 1,826 units of blood – an impressive 102% of its original goal of 1,788 units. This secured top honors for the Nation and also reflects a 6% year-over-year increase in donations compared to 2023.
“This year’s challenge is a testament to the power of coming together for a shared cause,” said Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton. “We are deeply proud of our tribal members, employees, and partners who rolled up their sleeves to help save lives. Every donation makes a difference – and we showed the strength of our Chahta spirit.”
Our Blood Institute (OBI), the organizing partner in the challenge, praised the commitment of all participating tribes. “We are so grateful to the tribes for participating each year in this challenge,” said Susan Crews, Ardmore Center Executive Director for OBI. “Without them, the blood supply would be critically low. Because of the tribes, lives will be saved across our communities.”
Overall, the 2024 Tribal Blood Drive Challenge saw a total of 4,450 donations, a 21% increase over the previous year.
Both the Choctaw Nation Health Care Center in Talihina and the Choctaw Nation McAlester Health Clinic went above and beyond to get the donations over the challenge period and earned the Star Award from OBI for their efforts.
August 1 launched the 2025-2026 Blood Drive Challenge. The schedule for the Choctaw Nation blood drives is listed online and will continue to be updated throughout the challenge.