The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center is experiencing an early shortage in blood supplies and are in critical need of donations.
Type O-positive and type O- negative are most in need, with the center having less than a day’s supply of both types, with officials saying that is a bad situation heading toward Memorial Day weekend. The Center is putting out the call of donations, saying that people depend on a healthy blood supply in case of numerous medical situations, including treatments and vehicle crashes.
The facility on South Virginia Street will be open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, before opening again on Monday. There will be a community blood drive event held at the Hopkinsville YMCA Saturday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
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.