To thank donors for saving local lives, KBC is giving away ‘Blood Donor’ hoodies
LEXINGTON, Ky. – It’s National Blood Donor Month, a monthlong celebration of those who voluntarily donate blood to help save lives, and an opportunity at the beginning of a new year for donors to make a commitment to support neighbors facing health struggles.
The national spotlight on blood donation comes at a time of local need. A combination of inclement weather to start winter and slower holiday collections led to low donor turnout in December, which has impacted KBC’s blood supply for more than 70 hospitals. KBC is currently experiencing low supply of several blood types, but all blood types are needed.
To say thank you during this special month, KBC is offering donors its wildly popular hoodies now through Jan. 24 at all locations. Commemorating the distinction of being a local lifesaver, the all-black hoodies feature a simple but powerful message of “Blood Donor” on the front.
“The generosity of donors determines the health of the blood supply,” said Mandy Brajuha, vice president of external relations at KBC. “The need for blood is constant, so we appreciate this opportunity to thank all those who take the time to roll up their sleeves to save lives. Whether you’re a first-time donor or a longtime local lifesaver, we hope you will make the commitment this month to ensure patients in Kentucky have the lifesaving blood products they need.”
KBC relies on volunteer donors to supply more than 70 local hospitals with lifesaving blood products, including UK HealthCare, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph and Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
The need for blood is great. Someone in the U.S. requires blood every two seconds, and one in four people will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime. The need for blood involves a wide range of treatments, including cancer, traumas, diseases, blood disorders, organ transplants, surgeries and more. Blood is unique in the healthcare ecosystem in that it cannot be synthetically made, meaning volunteer donors are the only way to provide blood to those in need.
According to the America’s Blood Centers, only 3% of Americans currently donate blood despite 62% of the population being eligible to do so. Additionally, only 12% of donations are from minorities, and donations from individuals aged 19-24 declined by nearly 32% from 2019 to 2021.
Donating blood is easy and has an immediate, high impact on the community. Whole blood donations at KBC take less than an hour from registration to refreshment and can save up to three lives.
There are ample opportunities for Kentuckians to donate with the state’s largest independent, full-service, nonprofit blood center. KBC operates eight centers in six cities across Kentucky (Lexington, Louisville, Corbin, Frankfort, Pikeville and Somerset) and hosts more than 2,300 mobile drives a year in more than 90 counties. Most donor centers are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Specific hours of operation are below. Mobile drives can be found at my.kybloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/county.
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.
To learn more about blood donation or to schedule an appointment, donors are encouraged to visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.
Beaumont Donor Center 3121 Beaumont Centre Cir. Lexington, Ky. 40513
Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Andover Donor Center 3130 Maple Leaf Dr. Lexington, Ky. 40509
Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tri-County Donor Center 1466 W. Cumberland Gap Pkwy. Corbin, Ky. 40701
Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Middletown Donor Center 14002 Shelbyville Rd. Louisville, Ky. 40243
Tue–Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Hillview Donor Center 5406 Antle Dr. Louisville, Ky 40229
Tue–Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Frankfort Donor Center
363 Versailles Rd.
Frankfort, Ky. 40601
Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Pikeville Donor Center
472 S. Mayo Trl.
Pikeville, Ky. 41501
Mon & Fri: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tue–Wed: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Somerset Donor Center
10 Stonegate Centre (Stoplight 16A)
Somerset, Ky. 42503
Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Mobile Drives
Serving more than 90 counties
Find a drive near you