Donors Can Save Lives While Enjoying Cool Cars
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Car enthusiasts will be able to save lives while enjoying the 47th annual Street Rod Nationals, Aug. 4-7, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
Kentucky Blood Center will provide blood donation opportunities each day during the car show. No appointments are necessary.
Those who register to give blood will receive a Drive Kentucky T-shirt and will be entered to win a 2016 4X4 Toyota Tacoma V6.
“We’re excited to be partnering with the National Street Rod Association to offer participants at the Street Rod Nationals an opportunity to donate blood this year. Vintage car enthusiasts of all blood types can roll up their sleeves, save a life, and get a chance to win a brand new ride!” said Martha Osborne, KBC’s Executive Director of Marketing and Recruitment.
Donors will receive a non-fasting cholesterol test, and results will be posted within five days after donation at kybloodcenter.org, where donors can also find the rules of the truck giveaway.
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.
Blood needs are ongoing. Red cells last only 42 days and must be continually replenished to adequately support Kentucky hospitals. Statistics show that one in seven hospital patients will require blood transfusions during their stay. However, only 37 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood and less than 10 percent does. All blood types are needed, and there is a particular demand for type O negative blood since it is the “universal donor” and needed in emergencies when the patient’s blood type is unknown.
Walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to make an appointment, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.
About Kentucky Blood Center
Founded nearly 50 years ago, KBC is the largest independent, full-service, non-profit blood center in Kentucky. Licensed by the FDA, KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky hospitals.