Local Blood Donors Needed to Combat Critical Shortage March 24, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Blood Center, which provides blood to 70+ Kentucky hospitals across the state, has seen a significant increase in blood usage at area hospitals. Coupled with less mobile blood drives than normal due to the pandemic and decreased high school and college blood drive events, the nonprofit is urging local citizens to donate blood as soon as they can.  

“We continue to see the demand for blood from our hospital partners increase,” Bill Reed, Kentucky Blood Center President and CEO, said. “January was the highest blood usage ever in our 52-year history and the need hasn’t slowed. COVID continues to hinder our ability to collect blood through mobile events and the impact is being felt.”

KBC has an urgent need for all blood types and is encouraging donors to make an appointment and donate as soon as possible. The Blood Center strives to maintain a 3-4 day supply of blood to meet hospital needs. Currently, the blood center has less than a half-day supply.

To maintain social distancing, appointments are preferred and can be made at www.kybloodcenter.org or by calling 800.775.2522. All six KBC donor centers (listed below) are open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Face coverings are required while visiting our donor centers. Mobile blood drive locations can also be found on the website. There is no wait time to donate after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.