Donor Appreciation Days Continue Thursday and Friday at KBC June 22, 2023

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Blood Center’s “Save Our Summer” campaign continues this week with two more “Donor Appreciation Days” on Thursday and Friday. All donors who give blood at a KBC donor center June 22 or 23 will receive a $15 Walmart/Sam’s Club gift card.

KBC’s Donor Appreciation Days are taking place this summer to counter historically poor turnout weeks during a period of traditionally high need. With many traumas requiring more than 50 unit of blood, one trauma alone can have a major impact on the blood supply.

This summer has followed the script with a month-over-month increase in transfusions when the weather warmed up in May. KBC has battled bouts of urgent-to-critical need for many major blood types, and KBC officials anticipate the upcoming Independence holiday could put additional strain on the blood supply.

KBC is encouraging donors to be proactive and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer. Donors can schedule an appointment at a KBC donor center by visiting kybloodcenter.org/donate/donor-center-locations, clicking on a donor center link below or calling 800.775.2522. All donor centers are open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.

Blood collected at KBC saves patients in Kentucky who require products for surgeries, diseases like cancer, traumas, organ transplants, premature births and so much more.

Donors must be at least 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.