Blood drives planned this week in Williamsburg

Blood donors looking to make positive change in 2023 have the perfect opportunity to make an impact by saving lives during two upcoming Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) drives in Williamsburg.

All donors who give blood at these upcoming drives will receive a “blood donors are just a lil’ cooler” long-sleeve shirt.

The need for blood is ever constant and every day. When something unexpected happens that requires blood – whether it’s a trauma, a disease, a premature birth and so much more – blood must be readily available to save a local patient’s life.

Kentucky Blood Center, through the generous donation of blood from donors, provides lifesaving blood products to more than 70 hospitals in Kentucky. Approximately 400 donors are needed daily to maintain a healthy blood supply, but KBC has been experiencing consistent urgent-to-critical levels because of winter illness and the holidays that has affected donor turnout.

A blood drive is planned for Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the University of the Cumberlands from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. It will take place in the mid-level of the Boswell Building, which is located at 7327 College Station Drive.

Williamsburg residents, who miss this opportunity, will have another chance to give blood on Friday, Feb. 3, from 1 – 5:30 p.m. at the Williamsburg Tourism and Convention Center, which is located at 650 S. 10^th Street, Williamsburg.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a donation, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.

KBC is the largest independent, full-service, nonprofit blood center in Kentucky. Licensed by the FDA, KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Pikeville, Somerset and the Tri-County area in Corbin.