The recent winter weather has impacted the blood supply in Hopkinsville, Princeton and Marion.
An email from the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center says blood drives have been cancelled due to icy road conditions and the closing of area schools. The cold and flu season and the circulating stomach virus has also helped move the blood supply into a critical status.
Officials are urging anyone who can to go to the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center at 1902 South Virginia Street to donate. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 115 lbs., must be feeling well at the time and must bring a photo ID. Sixteen-year olds can donate with a parent’s permission.
Donors must allow 56 days, or eight weeks, between donations. The center recommends donors eat a meal and stay well-hydrated.
The center is open from 10 until 7 Wednesday and from 8 until 5 p.m. Thursday.