The American Red Cross is sponsoring a community blood drive this Wednesday at the Richmond Mall. Red Cross of the Bluegrass Director Lynne Washbish said a donation event hasn’t been held in the Madison County town for some time. Washbish said the need for blood only increases with more traditional medical appointments.
“People are going back to normal day life and they’re going back to their surgeries and their doctor's appointments. And so, when the blood shortage on the shelves in low and there isn’t any blood, then that makes it difficult to get the procedures that they need,” said Washbish.
Washbish said there’s a significant need for O-positive blood, but she adds donations of all types of blood are important.
Washbish said a mobile app allows donors to follow their blood donations.
“Last time I donated, my blood ended up going someplace to help save a child. You can follow your blood and know that it’s gone to good places. It’s been at a hospital or it’s helped someone save a life.”
Washbish said every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. She noted one of every three people will need blood in their lifetime, but currently only one of 33 people donate. The Richmond blood drive will occur Wednesday from noon until 5:30 at the former Dollar Store location in the mall.