Regional blood center works toward combating summer blood shortages

As children are on summer break and families are on vacation, the summer marks a point in the year where blood supplies start to dwindle, according to the American Red Cross.

Beth Lancaster the Coordinator of Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center in Hopkinsville appeared on WHOP to talk about their plans to ensure the Blood Center has a healthy supply of blood.

Lancaster says they will be kicking off their annual Save Our Summer blood drive tomorrow and unlike their other drives, donors will be able to help benefit local nonprofit organizations.

Donors will be able to financially benefit, Disabled American Veterans, Sanctuary House and Max’s Hope Pet Rescue with the blood donations.

Lancaster says the blood will also locally benefit those in the community because the blood will go to Jennie Stuart Health.

For those who are interested in donating blood, Lancaster says they have to eaten a healthy meal and be hydrated, bring their medications list, weigh over 115 pounds, bring photo identification and be healthy.

Along with being able to donate to local nonprofits, donors will receive t-shirts, and through 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. during the blood drive lunch will be provided.

Lancaster says no appointments are necessary, those who want to donate can just walk in.

The Save Our Summer blood drive is set for Tuesday to Thursday at Hopkinsville’s Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center. On Tuesday and Wednesday, they will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Thursday they will be open from 9 am. 6 p.m.