KBC Has Urgent Need for Blood Donors Aug. 1, 2013

Donors With Negative Blood Types Asked to Give Soon

Kentucky Blood Center's currently supply has reached critical levels for many blood types.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Blood Center is issuing an urgent need for donors with O-negative, B-negative and A-negative blood types. Right now, these blood types are being distributed to Kentucky hospitals almost as quickly as donations are coming in to KBC.

”The need for blood is constant," said Bill Reed, KBC president and CEO. "While we are thankful to donors who have already donated this summer, Kentucky patients continue to need blood transfusions."

O-negative donors are particularly needed, not just because their blood is rare, but because they are considered universal donors. Only about 7% of the population is O-negative, but since it can be given to people of all blood types, it is the type doctors in trauma centers and emergency rooms reach for most often.

The shortage of negative blood types is not just an issue with KBC. Blood banks across the country are also urging those with negative blood types to donate soon.

Donors can give at the following donor centers or find a KBC blood drive by visiting kybloodcenter.org. They can also call 800.775.2522.

 

About Kentucky Blood Center

KBC, the largest FDA regulated blood bank in Kentucky, is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring a safe, adequate blood supply for patients at nearly 70 Kentucky hospitals and clinics in more than 60 counties. KBC relies on volunteers to donate 400 pints of blood per day to meet area patients’ needs. Over the last year KBC distributed nearly 130,000 blood components.