LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Every day at the Kentucky Blood Center, people take action to save lives.
“Blood is often needed in traumas, it's often needed for chronic illnesses like cancer, for blood illnesses,” said Martha Osborne, vice president of marketing and communications for the Kentucky Blood Center.
The center relies on donors to give blood, platelets, and red blood cells that go to 70 hospitals across the state to help their patients.
But KBC leaders worry the coronavirus outbreak could soon hurt their supply.
“Certainly we will see cancellations of drives should quarantines be put into place, probably the biggest risk for cancellations will be our schools,” said Osborne.
KBC officials are encouraging everyone who's feeling healthy to come in and give blood.
“They do a great job here, the staff here knows what they're doing. They're very well trained; it's not scary,” said blood donor Michael Hartley.
Hartley was actually donating platelets; giving blood is much quicker.
KBC officials want people to know there's no known risk of transmitting the coronavirus through blood, and any healthy person can help.
“All blood types are needed, O is the best and O negative is needed most in emergencies,” said Osborne.
The Kentucky Blood Center has six donor centers. You can make an appointment or just walk in.
For more information on how to give blood you can click here. https://kybloodcenter.org/
