The time right after Christmas and weeks into the new year is when blood supply is in high demand.
The West Kentucky Regional Blood Center is no different, celebrating 45 years of service to western Kentucky.
The blood center is the sole supplier for six regional hospitals and three air evacuation units. Coordinator Beth Lancaster said the call for blood is a consistent one — and not just when things are dire.
click to download audioThe blood center is in need of O-negative and O-positive blood. Lancaster said one pint of blood can save three lives and in three different ways. Each pint of blood donated is tested at the main Owensboro campus, and separated into platelets, plasma and red blood cells — each of which has a unique and special purpose.
click to download audioBlood donors must be 17 years old, or 16 years old with parent’s permission and weigh at least 115 pounds. Donors must also wait at least 56 days between donations.
The West Kentucky Regional Blood Center had a big donor drive last week and takes walk-ins at its South Virginia Street location in Hopkinsville. For more information, visit online at wkrbc.org, or call the Hopkinsville location at 270-885-0728.
The blood center received good news last month when its second bloodmobile was unveiled through a partnership with Owensboro Health and IMPACT 100. Lancaster said the Spirit of Western Kentucky expand their blood collection efforts across the 11 counties they serve.
