Blood Donations

The Kentucky Blood Center says they’re behind on donations after Winter Storm Blair rolled through the Commonwealth earlier this week.

The Kentucky Blood Center says they’re in need of donations after Hurricane Helene caused a string of blood drive cancellations last Friday and Saturday.

The center says the COVID-19 pandemic worsened a steady downturn of donations in the past decade, specifically among younger people.

The yearly event is organized as a friendly competition with the MEDIC Regional Blood Center in Tennessee, playing off the rivalry between fans of Kentucky and Tennessee athletics. It’s a way for the two centers to make sure blood is available during the holiday season.

The organization has seen an increase in donations since the shortage was declared September 11, but still needs to collect 10,000 blood and platelet donations each week over the next month to meet hospital needs.

Kentucky Blood Center officials are dealing with what’s being termed a record number of blood drive cancellations. Director of Marketing Mandy Brajuha…