Blood Needs Don't Take a Holiday
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Heading into the Labor Day weekend, there are plenty of reasons to donate blood -- some serious, some fun.
There has been a steep increase in pre-Labor Day blood transfusions – more than 250 units above the average over the past seven days. Coupled with a projected 200-unit shortfall in blood and platelet donations over the Labor Day holiday, Kentucky Blood Center is urging the public to donate before the end of the annual Battle of the Bluegrass on Friday.
The annual two-week Battle of the Bluegrass, a fun promotion leading up to the Kentucky-Louisville football game, ends Friday. All donors receive a Battle of the Bluegrass T-shirt and a chance to win tickets to the game. Donors are also automatically eligible to win a 2011 Toyota Tacoma, a summertime promotion which ends Sept. 16.
Although all donors are invited, the need is especially urgent for those with A-, B- and O- blood types.
This summer, dedicated KBC donors have been navigating the double diamond crossover construction at Harrodsburg and New Circle roads. Although the construction is not yet completed, donors are urged to continue visiting the Beaumont Donor Center or trying out the Andover Donor Center in the Andover Shoppes.
To find a donation location visit www.kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.
About Kentucky Blood Center
KBC, the largest FDA licensed blood bank headquartered in Kentucky, is a nonprofit 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 collect 400 pints of blood per day to meet area patients’ needs. Over the last year KBC distributed nearly 130,000 blood components. Visit KBC at kybloodcenter.org. Keep up with KBC prizes and giveaways by liking the blood center on Facebook, facebook.com/kybloodcenter, and following KBC on Twitter, twitter.com/kybloodcenter.