LEXINGTON, KY (LEX 18) — The Kentucky Blood Center is expanding its donor center hours and urging donors to make appointments to donate blood to try to keep an adequate blood supply for 70+ Kentucky hospitals.
Officials say these steps will ensure social distancing at all donor centers.
All six Kentucky Blood Center donor centers will be open, effective immediately, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays through at least April 11. In order to keep donors safe and at least six feet apart, Kentucky Blood Center officials discourage walk-in blood donors during this time.
Donors can make an appointment online or by calling 800-775-2522. There are two donor centers in Lexington, two in Louisville and locations in Pikeville and Somerset.
Donors are also encouraged to complete their health history screening questions online on the day of their appointment.
“The response from donors in the past week has been remarkable,” Martha Osborne, Vice President of Marketing for Kentucky Blood Center said. “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the number of people willing to come out and roll up their sleeves to save lives in the face of a national crisis. We know that this type of support must be sustained over the long-term as we continue to provide critically needed blood products to hospitals throughout this pandemic.”
KBC officials say blood donation continues to be important and safe for donors.
Several community blood drives remain scheduled in the weeks ahead. In addition, KBC has worked with community partners to add several pop-up blood drives to assist with the urgent need. Recently added drives include:
- Wednesday, March 25 – Kroger at Tates Creek Center in Lexington (KBC Bloodmobile) – Noon – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 25 – First Church of God in Mount Sterling (Student Center) – Noon – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 25 – St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead (KBC Bloodmobile) – 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Thursday, March 26 – St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead (KBC Bloodmobile) – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday, March 27 – Vanceburg United Methodist Church in Vanceburg (Fellowship Hall) – 1:30 – 6 p.m.
