LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Kentucky Blood Center cannot fill all hospital orders because of a low blood supply.
The center is asking the community for more donations.
Transfusions at local hospitals are up 40% from last week. KBC said it has a low supply of several blood types, including O-positive, O-negative and A-negative.
KBC said its inability to meet hospital orders puts local patients in danger. KBC supplies blood to more than 70 hospitals in Kentucky.
With the supply critically low that means there's only enough blood to supply all of its hospitals for half a day.
"When their supply is that short, they may only be able to give, for example, someone may need four units of blood," said Eric Lindsey, the director of media and branding for KBC. "They may have to cut back and only give them two or three or it could be a situation where they have to postpone surgeries and procedures."
This isn't just an issue in Kentucky. In July the American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage. KBC officials say in the summer trauma numbers go up so blood transfusions go up.
This means the help of Kentuckians is needed as soon as possible.
"If you want to help, please make time to do it this week," Lindsey said. "When you're talking about spending one hour and saving up to three local lives with one donation, I would be hard pressed to find a bigger thing you can do in your community to have an impact than this."
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, show a photo ID and meet other requirements.
To find a specific donor center location and hours, click here.
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