The winter holiday season is a time when blood supply is at its lowest and a time when blood banks work harder to replenish the supply that will be requested in the coming weeks.
Vicki Ellis is the director of communications for the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center. She says they need all blood types but especially Type-O blood. She added now is a crucial time for blood to be in full supply.
click to download audioEllis says blood banks across the state, but especially in western Kentucky, have been trying to play catch up since the onset of the pandemic in March of 2020.
click to download audioAnother issue they are currently working around is the number of holidays in November and December that shut down their locations where people can give blood.
click to download audioEllis says these are just some of the issues plaguing blood centers nationwide.
click to download audioThe blood center will conduct blood drives in Amish communities in Crofton and Cerulean this week. Ellis says they get full cooperation and support when they reach out to the Amish which has helped replenish their supply.
The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center will be having a Black Friday Blood Drive at their location at 1902 South Virginia Street in Hopkinsville on Monday, November 22 and Tuesday, November 23. Donors will be eligible to win gift cards on both days.
