Over the summer, blood banks often receive less donations while the need for blood rises. To encourage people to donate, the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center in Hopkinsville is hosting its Save Our Summer donation drive this week.
Blood Center Director Madi Richardson says during the warmer months people tend to be away from home more, which can lead to usual donors being unavailable, as well as more accidents occurring where individuals need blood transfusions.
The Save Our Summer blood drive takes over the blood center starting on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and continues Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Richardson says lunch will be provided to donors and they will also be entered into a raffle for prizes.
Donors must be 17 years old, or 16 years old with written parental consent. They also must weight at least 115 pounds, and Richadson encourages donors to eat and drink well before donating blood.
After donating blood, folks are advised not to do any strenuous activities. Richardson is seeking donations of all blood types but says O-negative blood is harder to come by making it more in demand.
Richardson says one blood donation can potentially save three lives, and donors can also directly donate to someone in a hospital that the blood center serves.
The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center’s Hopkinsville location is at 1902 South Virginia Street, and those with blood donation questions can call the blood center at 270-684-9296.
Flyer courtesy of the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center