KBC Seeking More Donors in New Ways
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. – The Kentucky Blood center has decided to change its operation in Prestonsburg in order to make it easier for donors to give blood. The blood center will close its donor center and will instead operate regular mobile blood drives in the community. The last day of operations at the Prestonsburg Donor Center will be June 25.
“By having regular blood drives in Prestonsburg with easy access, we will improve the experience for donors and collect more blood. We just were not seeing enough people at the donor center to make it an effective operation,” said Catrina Ray, Pikeville and Prestonsburg Donor Center manager. "We’re looking for community partners who can help us have regularly scheduled blood drives at least once a month."
Businesses, churches or organizations interested in providing a location for regular blood drives, should contact Catrina Ray at 606-886-1557 or David Whitt at 606-794-5279.
The blood center is changing its Pikeville operations as well. By the end of 2008, KBC will begin collecting blood in a new facility at 270 S. Mayo Trail near Captain D’s. The downtown Pikeville donor center will be closed when the new donor center opens.
KBC employment levels in Eastern Kentucky will not be affected by these changes. Presently, KBC has 20-25 employees based in Eastern Kentucky.
Those wanting to donate blood can call 1-800-775-2522 or visit kybloodcenter.org for blood drive and donor center details. The Kentucky Blood Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring a safe, adequate blood supply for 67 Kentucky hospitals and clinics thanks to generous blood donors in 62 counties.