HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center in Hopkinsville is encouraging the community to participate in their SOS Blood Drive on July 16-18. With summer being a crucial time for blood donations, the three-day event will help the center stock up to fulfill the needs for local hospitals.
“Blood donation is always important; however, the need takes on a whole new definition during the hot summer months,” said Vicki Ellis, with WKRBC. “High Schools make up 23% of our collections and are not an option over the summer months. So, SOS or Save Our Summer was born from a need to boost the supply.”
During months with extreme heat, the center is limited to where they can conduct blood drives. Because of this, they must rely on smaller air-conditioned blood drives where the numbers are not as high. This obstacle, paired with the fact that many people are traveling limits donations. Unlike other donation centers, WKRBC facilitates blood donations that directly help the Christian County community.
Blood drive details
The SOS Blood Drive will be July 16-17 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and July 18 from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. at the WKRBC, 1902 South Virginia Street. The center prides themselves on providing fun shirts to donors and will be debuting a WKRBC Goat t-shirt this week. Donors will also be registered to win an Amazon gift card or a gift basket.
“Most people equate blood donation to receiving a shot but it’s much less painful. Blood donations save American lives every two seconds, we never know who or when but we at WKRBC strive to be prepared,” Ellis added.
People hoping to donate must be in good general health, be 16 years or older, and should bring a photo ID, a list of any medications, and a list of recent travel history. Donors will be screened and have a quick mini-physical done.
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