LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Kentucky Blood Center is looking for summer donors in order to pump up the community blood supply, and they’re rolling out a truck to attract them.
Donors can save a life, and win a 2016 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 this fall when they donate blood with Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) June 1 through Aug. 31 during the Drive Kentucky summer promotion. Those, 18 years of age and older, who register to give blood during the summer months will be automatically entered to win.
Besides being eligible to win the Tacoma, summer donors also ensure a strong blood supply for Kentucky patients at a time when demand can soar but donations typically dip.
“The summer months can be a difficult time in blood banking. With people vacationing or opting for a slower paced schedule at work and home, blood donations can decline,” said Martha Osborne, KBC’s Executive Director of Marketing and Recruitment.
“The demand for blood, however, doesn’t slow down,” said Osborne. “Last summer KBC donors provided for more than 23,000 transfusions for Kentucky patients. We expect at least the same demand from Kentucky hospitals this summer. That’s why it’s important to keep the community’s blood supply strong, and we hope the chance of winning a new Toyota Tacoma will help encourage people to donate when they are eligible. We want them to be a Drive Kentucky Summer Lifesaver.”
Donors will receive a non-fasting cholesterol test, and results will be posted within five days after donation at kybloodcenter.org, where donors can also find the rules of the truck giveaway.
Blood donors must be 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org. First-time donors must present a government-issued photo I.D.
To schedule a donation, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.
KBC Donor Centers are listed below:
- Beaumont Donor Center
- 3121 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington
- Andover Donor Center
- 3130 Maple Leaf Drive, Lexington
- Middletown Donor Center
- 12905 Shelbyville Road, Louisville
- Somerset Donor Center
- 10 Stonegate Centre at Stoplight 16A
- Pikeville Donor Center
- 472 S. Mayo Trail
