Although hospitals across the state are slowly returning to normal operations, and patients are being cleared for surgery, the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center remains unable to host blood drives.
That’s due to restrictions caused by COVID-19, but the center says blood donations are badly needed to meet the demand—officials say they are in critical need of all blood types. According to a news release, blood is in such high demand that it is being used as soon as it is processed after a donation and tested. Any open businesses that are back open and has space to practice social distancing are asked to consider hosting a blood drive.
They are asking the communities to step up and donate blood to WKRBC, so patients in their six western Kentucky community hospitals and 3 Air-evacs will have life-sustaining blood when it’s needed. Donors must be at least 17 years old—16 year olds can give with parental permission—weigh at least 115 pounds and wait 56 days between donations.
Medications must be checked with staff before donating. All donors must show a photo ID and are advised to eat well before and after giving. For more information, call the center at (270) 885-0728.