Local Blood Donors Needed To Combat Critical Shortage

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Monday, October 11, 2021 – Kentucky Blood Center, which provides blood to 70+ Kentucky hospitals across the state, has seen a significant increase in blood usage at area hospitals. Mobile blood drives have not returned to pre-pandemic schedules or collections, creating a critical need for donors.

“Blood demand at area hospitals continues to outpace collections,” Bill Reed, Kentucky Blood Center President and CEO, said. “While we have seen some mobile drives come back recently, collections are seemingly being impacted by the high number of COVID cases in certain parts of our state.”

On the heels of a national appeal for blood donation last week, KBC has a critical need for all blood types and is encouraging donors to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible. KBC strives to maintain a 3-4 day supply of blood to meet hospital need, and currently 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. Mobile blood drive locations can also be found on the website. There is no wait time to donate after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Andover Donor Center

3130 Maple Leaf Drive, Lexington

Beaumont Donor Center

3121 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington

Hillview Donor Center

5406 Antle Drive, Louisville

Middletown Donor Center

12905 Shelbyville Road, Louisville

Pikeville Donor Center

472 S. Mayo Trail, Pikeville

Somerset Donor Center

10 Stonegate Centre (Stoplight 16A), Somerset

About Kentucky Blood Center

Celebrating more than 50 years of saving lives in Kentucky, KBC is the largest independent, full-service, nonprofit blood center in Kentucky. Licensed by the FDA, KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Pikeville and Somerset.