Beshears to host blood drives on Sept. 12 in Frankfort amid national blood shortage; governor encourages everyone across state to donate

By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News

The American Red Cross reports the national blood supply has fallen by more than 25% since July 1 and that this blood shortage creates a risk to Kentucky citizens.

“It could be trauma, it could be a car accident, it could be a chronic disease, something like sickle cell . . . it could be cancer patients going through chemotherapy, and if that blood is not on the shelves, there is a risk,” Kentucky Red Cross CEO Steve Cunanan said at Gov. Andy Beshear’s Sept. 5 news conference.

One in four people will need blood at some point in their lives, according to the Kentucky Blood Center.

Cunanan said this is an ongoing challenge since the blood supply has been down by about 40% over the past two decades.

“Kentucky is not immune from that statistic,” he said, later adding, “Blood cannot be manufactured. It can’t be stored for long periods of time. And that means that we have to constantly and consistently get people to give the gift of life and to roll up their sleeves.”

The governor and First Lady Britainy Behsear plan to do just that, announcing that they would be hosting a blood drive in the State Capitol Rotunda and at the Capitol Education Center on Thursday, Sept. 12, to help address the shortage.

Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to sign up for a time slot to give blood at governor.ky.gov/giveblood.  This site also provides information about other locations across the state to donate blood.

“Right now, blood is being distributed to hospitals faster than new blood donations are coming in,” Beshear said. “The Red Cross is working with hospitals around the clock to get patients the transfusions they need. But they can’t do it alone and they need our help. Folks, this is a way that everybody out there can save a life.”

To donate blood in Kentucky you must:

• Be 17 years old or 16 with parental consent
• Be in good health
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Have a photo identification