Blood Center Asking For Donors With Blood Levels Critically Low

It’s come much earlier than expected, and for wide ranging reasons.

But the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center in Hopkinsville is in the middle of an early shortage of supply — with type O-positive and O-negative at critically low levels.

With Memorial Day Weekend and summer travel plans quickly approaching for many families, WKRBC Public Relations Robbin Shively noted it’s an inopportune time for empty shelves.

Shively said this shortage usually occurs annually and about a month from now, when colleges and high schools have long let out for summer break, and supplies have been used to triage accidents and stabilize regional hospitals.

But a myriad of factors have expedited the demand.

COVID-19 concerns from the last two years have made blood drives virtually impossible — especially within the younger community. With the coronavirus ebbing, Shively said the WKRBC was just recently allowed back into classrooms and on campuses. One pint of blood, however, needs about eight hours of testing before its deemed safe for transfusion. It takes time and effort.

Younger blood is a demographic the WKRBC needs, Shively added, because it’s healthy blood and platelets, and it’s getting harder and harder for older generations to donate because of health impediments and ailments.

Shively noted platelet shelf life is five days before they’re rendered ineffective for clotting. Those are just as important as pints of blood.

Another reason why blood supply is low at WKRBC, Shively said, is the amount of weather-related, traffic and criminal issues that have combined over the last six months in west Kentucky.

The increase in response has depleted the stores, and now is the time to regroup.

O-negative and O-positive donors are universal, but can only accept O-negative or O-positive in their own critical care.

Donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 115 pounds, or 16 years old with parental consent. There is no upper age limit if in good health, and one must be willing to share information about medications and travel experiences, as well as an official form of identification. Donors must also allow 56 days from their last donation, and its recommended to have a good meal and plenty of water prior to arrival.

Located at 1902 South Virginia Street, operating hours and local drives over the next 10 days are: