Our Blood Institute (OBI) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Our Blood Institute (OBI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing blood and blood products to hospitals and medical facilities across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. Established in 1976, OBI operates 16 donor centers and serves over 240 hospitals, medical facilities, and air ambulances in these regions.

Mission and Vision

OBI's mission is to ensure a reliable and sufficient blood supply for patients in need, emphasizing the critical role of volunteer donors in saving lives. The organization envisions a community where every patient has access to the blood products necessary for their care.

Primary Area of Focus

OBI focuses on the collection, processing, and distribution of blood and blood products, including red cells, plasma, and platelets. Additionally, the institute is involved in cell therapy, procuring healthy stem cells for transplants from adult marrow and umbilical cord donations.

Industry Significance

As the sixth-largest independent blood center in the United States, OBI plays a pivotal role in the regional healthcare ecosystem, ensuring that hospitals and medical facilities have access to essential blood products for patient care.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Blood Collection and Distribution: Maintain a steady supply of blood products to meet the needs of partner hospitals and medical facilities.

Community Engagement: Engage with local communities to recruit and retain volunteer blood donors.

Research and Innovation: Advance the science of blood banking through research and the development of innovative technology solutions.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Cell Therapy: Procurement of stem cells for transplants from adult marrow and umbilical cord donations.

Research and Development: Conducting studies to improve blood collection, processing, and distribution methods.

Key Technologies Utilized

Automated Blood Collection Systems: Utilization of advanced equipment to enhance the efficiency and safety of blood collection processes.

Data Management Systems: Implementation of robust systems for tracking and managing blood products from collection to distribution.

Primary Markets Targeted

Hospitals and Medical Facilities: Providing blood products to over 240 institutions across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas.

Community Donors: Engaging with local communities to recruit and retain volunteer blood donors.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a nonprofit organization, OBI relies on donations, grants, and partnerships to fund its operations. Specific financial details, including total funds raised and recent funding rounds, are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors and Partners

Hillcrest HealthCare System: In January 2024, OBI became the exclusive blood supplier for Hillcrest HealthCare System, a 6,500-employee health system serving northeastern Oklahoma.

Velico Medical, Inc.: In March 2025, OBI joined Velico's Blood Center Education Program to evaluate the integration of the FrontlineODP™ system for spray-drying plasma.

Utilization of Capital

Funds are primarily utilized for blood collection and processing operations, research and development initiatives, community engagement programs, and infrastructure maintenance.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives

FrontlineODP™ Evaluation: OBI is assessing the integration of Velico's FrontlineODP™ system, which allows for the storage and rapid rehydration of plasma, potentially enhancing emergency medical responses.

Target Conditions

Trauma-Induced Hemorrhage: Improving the availability and rapid deployment of plasma for patients experiencing severe bleeding.

Anticipated Milestones

System Integration: Completion of evaluation and potential integration of the FrontlineODP™ system into OBI's operations.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Blood Collection and Processing Systems: OBI employs state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the safety and quality of blood products.

Significant Scientific Methods

Cell Therapy Procurement: Utilizing advanced techniques for the collection of stem cells from adult marrow and umbilical cord donations.

Research Studies: Conducting clinical studies to advance blood banking practices and improve patient outcomes.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Dr. John Armitage, MD – President & CEO

Professional Background: Dr. Armitage has extensive experience in the healthcare sector, focusing on blood banking and transfusion medicine.

Contributions: Under his leadership, OBI has expanded its services and engaged in strategic partnerships to enhance blood supply capabilities.

Dr. Jesse McCool – Chief Operating Officer

Professional Background: Dr. McCool joined OBI in May 2025, bringing expertise in healthcare operations and management.

Contributions: Oversees daily operations, ensuring efficient blood collection and processing services.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The blood services industry is characterized by a network of nonprofit organizations dedicated to ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply. Key players include Vitalant, America's Blood Centers, and Bloodworks Northwest. These organizations operate extensive networks of donation centers and serve numerous hospitals and medical facilities.

Competitor Analysis

Vitalant

Focus Areas: Blood collection, processing, and distribution across the United States.

Technologies: Advanced blood collection and processing systems.

Achievements: Serving over 900 hospitals nationwide.

America's Blood Centers

Focus Areas: Association of independent nonprofit blood centers in North America.

Technologies: Standardized blood collection and processing protocols.

Achievements: Operating over 600 blood collection sites, providing close to 60% of the U.S. blood supply.

Bloodworks Northwest

Focus Areas: Blood collection and medical research in the Pacific Northwest.

Technologies: Innovative blood collection and processing methods.

Achievements: Serving 90 hospitals in western Washington and Oregon.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

OBI's partnership with Velico Medical, Inc. to evaluate the FrontlineODP™ system exemplifies its commitment to innovation and improving emergency medical responses.

Operational Insights

OBI differentiates itself through its extensive network of donor centers and its focus on community engagement to recruit and retain volunteer blood donors. The institute's involvement in cell therapy and research initiatives further enhances its position in the industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

OBI is well-positioned to expand its services by integrating innovative technologies like the FrontlineODP™ system, enhancing its blood supply capabilities, and strengthening partnerships with healthcare providers to meet the evolving needs of patients.