Blood Supply Heading into Fourth of July Needs Shot in Arm June 29, 2015

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Fourth of July holiday has Kentucky Blood Center officials concerned.

“Summer is a time when blood donations typically lag, and we’re projecting that we’ll need to supply blood for more than 700 transfusions over the upcoming long July Fourth holiday weekend,” said Martha Osborne, KBC’s Executive Director of Marketing and Recruitment.

“Blood must be on the shelves prior to the holiday in order to provide for those Kentucky patients who depend on blood transfusions,” said Osborne, who added accidents and trauma frequently also add to the need during the holiday period. “Those who are eligible to give blood are urged to do so this week.”

To help encourage Kentuckians to give blood, KBC is offering donors a special thank you gift for giving the gift of life this week. Those who donate at the donor centers will receive two movie passes to an area cinema. Those who give at mobile blood drives will receive a $10 gift card.

In addition, those 18 years and older who give June through August are automatically entered to win a Toyota Camry.

Blood donors must be 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.

KBC has five donor centers and daily blood drives. Donor centers are listed below, and blood drive locations can be found at kybloodcenter.org.