Blood Shipments Reach Record High Feb. 8, 2021

Donations Needed Ahead of Winter Weather

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Blood Center shipped more blood to its hospital partners in Kentucky than ever before in January, and is encouraging donors to donate Tuesday as concern grows related to the impending icy weather system.

Nearly 8,000 units of blood were sent to the 70+ hospitals Kentucky Blood Center supplies last month. That’s the most on record in KBC’s 52-year history. With demand up and the potential for weather to impact collections later this week, Tuesday collections will be increasingly important.

“While we can’t predict the weather, we know that blood usage at the hospitals we serve is up,” said Mandy Brajuha, Vice President for External Relations. “If you have time to visit a KBC donor center or mobile blood drive tomorrow, please do. It is important to keep blood on the shelves for Kentucky patients who need it most.”

Kentucky Blood Center will communicate any necessary weather closures through its website and the media. Donor centers are open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Appointments are encouraged to promote social distancing, but walk-ins are permitted as space allows. For more information, visit www.kybloodcenter.org.

About Kentucky Blood Center

Celebrating more than 50 years of saving lives in Kentucky, KBC is the largest independent, full-service, nonprofit blood center in Kentucky. Licensed by the FDA, KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Pikeville and Somerset.