KBC Issues Emergency Appeal
LEXINGTON, Ky. —The Kentucky Blood Center reported Tuesday night that its blood inventory remains at unacceptably low levels; the blood supply is now 800 units below the amount deemed necessary to safely meet ongoing hospital demands.
Hospitals continued transfusions at their normal pace on Tuesday and blood center officials are committed to ensuring that patient care continues. Blood shortages are being reported across the United States and are expected to worsen due to the current winter storm.
KBC officials are taking actions to ensure patient needs are met in Kentucky.
“We will receive 200 units of blood from Indiana Wednesday as a stopgap measure until Kentucky donors are able to respond,” said Bill Reed, KBC president and CEO. “This opportunity to acquire blood from outside Kentucky may not be available again this week.”
On Monday, KBC issued an emergency appeal for blood donors due to declining donations aggravated by the winter storm.
More information is available at www.kybloodcenter.org. Appointments can be made online or by calling 800-775-2522. Walk-in donors are welcome. The Kentucky Blood Center 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.