Kentucky Blood Center is calling on the Knox County community to step up and boost the blood supply amid the nationwide blood shortage.
Every drop counts as KBC relies on volunteer blood donors to supply blood for more than 70 local hospitals and meet area patients' needs.
When just one person donates, they save up to three lives. Donated blood is vital as it also aids a wide range of treatments such as cancer, trauma, sickle cell disease, organ transplant, surgeries, childbirth, and much more.
25 percent of the blood supply donated is specifically used for cancer patients, who often need platelets and red blood cells to rejuvenate their systems.
This Friday, Jan. 20, donors who generously give at the Knox County Community Blood Drive will walk out with a limited-edition “Do Good, Feel Good” hoodie as a thank-you for donating.
The blood drive will be held in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church on 312 North Main Street in Barbourville from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
To donate, you must be 17 or older (16 with a parent's permission), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good general health, and show a valid photo ID.
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Make an appointment here: https://my.kybloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/77852 OR call 800-775-2522.
Samantha Walden, Staff Writer at The Kentucky Daily
Photos by Kentucky Blood Center