LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — January is National Blood Donor Month and it's also the time of the year the Kentucky Blood Center officials say they need donations to keep up with demand.
Staff members say donations tend to drop off around the holidays, because people are busy. Then, once the new year starts, winter weather and sickness also prevent people from coming in.
At the beginning of January, the center's transfusions were greater than the incoming supply. The center still needs about 300 donations to keep up.
Staff members say each blood donation is separated into different products, so it can help multiple lives.
"It has the ability to impact three patients. There's not much most of us can do on a daily basis to be life savers, but this is kind of a quick and easy way to help other people,” said Marketing Director Mandy Brajuha.
The Kentucky Blood Center has six locations in the state. You can visit the center's website to find the closest one or find a mobile blood drive in your area.
Donors must weigh over 110 pounds, be in good health, and be at least 17-years-old with an ID. You can donate at 16-years-old with a parent's permission.
