HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Donating blood to the Hopkinsville branch of the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center directly helps the community. This local center is the sole supplier of blood to Jennie Stuart Medical Center, and they are always looking for new donors.
Beth Lancaster, the community liaison for the Hopkinsville blood center, says that this city has always showed up to support them. Unlike the Red Cross, donations at the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Centers go directly to local hospitals. Their homebase is out of Owensboro, and all of their combined branches supply county hospitals.
“God put this job in my lap,” said Lancaster when talking about how she came to work here. She said this job came at a trying time in her life, but she is proud of the work they are able to do. The Hopkinsville branch operates with only three phlebotomists who all have been working there for at least 20 years.
How to donate
Lancaster says they have regular and loyal donors, but the majority of donations come from blood drives throughout Hopkinsville. She said the local Amish communities are wonderfully supportive, and consistently show up for blood drives.
The center also sees donation spikes during local tragedies, bad weather, and when certain community members need help. Donors know that their donations will go directly to the local hospital to help loved ones. Plus, a single donated pint has the potential to save up to three lives.
Donors at the center are given a high protein snack before the process begins and leave with a free T-shirt. The center takes pride in having fun, themed shirts that regular donors love to collect. For Halloween this year, donors will receive a new “Vein Drain” shirt.
Everyone in the city is encouraged to donate, and there is always a higher need for specialty blood types like O negative. But not everyone can expect to be a donor. In order to keep everyone safe and healthy, there are strict guidelines in place in regard to medications donors take, iron levels, and blood pressure.
To see if you are eligible donor, visit the center at 1902 S. Virginia St. in Hopkinsville. And, visit their Facebook page for updates.