Old Man Winter Packs Another Punch; Blood Donors Needed
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Just as Kentuckians are struggling with the aftermath of winter weather this week, Kentucky Blood Center is struggling to build up a blood supply thumped by Old Man Winter.
More than 20 blood drives have canceled this week, resulting in nearly 400 lost blood donations. Donor center donations were also hit, and Somerset Donor Center was unable to open Monday because of hazardous road conditions. The harsh weather has caused recurring blood supply problems this winter. Since the first of January, nearly 70 blood drives have canceled causing the loss of more than 1,700 donations.
“Area blood transfusions have far out-paced donations this week with more than 500 transfusions compared to fewer than 100 donations. Unfortunately, the blood supply has dropped dramatically as a result.” said Martha Osborne, KBC’s executive director of marketing and recruitment.
“Now that the weather is improving, we urge the public to visit one of our blood drives or donor centers as soon as possible to bring the blood supply back to normal levels so blood is readily available for patients when it’s needed.” said Osborne.
To find a KBC donor center or blood drive, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.
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.