Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) will be hosting the blood drive this Saturday at the Lone Oak Fire Department at 111 W.B. Ford Drive in Paducah. The blood drive will take place from 9 am to 1 pm.
KBC, the sole provider of blood to Baptist Health Paducah, says they have seen a dramatic increase in blood usage by the hospitals it serves, while donations have decreased.
“As a hospital, we rely on the generosity of volunteer blood donors to be sure our shelves are adequately stocked when anyone in the community needs blood,” said Debbie Taffer, System Executive Director of Lab Services at Baptist Health. “We are proud to partner with Kentucky Blood Center in encouraging local donors to roll up their sleeves and help fight this nationwide blood shortage right here at home.”
The blood center is encouraging donors to make appointments in advance and complete their QuickPass online at kybloodcenter.org. QuickPass is a health history questionnaire which must be completed on or before the day of donation. Appointments can also be made by calling 800-775-2522.
Extra steps have been added to protect donors, staff, and the community, including frequently sanitizing surfaces and distancing donors during the blood donation process.
