The Kentucky Blood Center is trying to restore the state’s blood supply following a tough December. Officials said the holidays are usually a time when donors have less time to give blood and illness brings down the number of people who are able to give.
Eric Lindsey is the Director of Media and Branding at KBC. Lindsey said a single trauma can put a strain on the state’s supply.
“All it takes is something unforeseen happening and suddenly the trauma that needs to be taken care of, well that has an effect for routine surgeries. If there’s a hundred units going to someone for an accident, that could have an effect on somebody that’s having routine surgery or a transplant,” said Lindsey.
The KBC spokesman said donations picked up after the new year, but they need to continue so that doctors can treat every patient.
“When we talk about, hey, yeah, we’ve had a good last week but we need to continue this on forward, we’re telling you that because we don’t want to be back in a situation where we’re begging people to come in. We want to be proactive and make sure that blood is there no matter what the situation is, no matter what the need is and when someone might need it,” said Lindsey.
The Kentucky Blood Center reports critically low levels of 0-negative and AB-negative blood.
Lindsey added that Big Blue Slam starts Monday, January 23rd. It’s a competition between Kentucky and Florida basketball fans to see who can collect the most blood donations. Kentucky blood donors lead the series eight to six.
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