The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center (WKRBC), located at 3015 Old Hartford Rd., is currently experiencing a critical shortage of O negative blood. The WKRBC is responsible for supplying six hospitals with their blood supply and is the only blood center their size in the state of Kentucky that does their own testing, which allows them immediate control of their blood supply in the case of an emergency or mass casualty.
Monday morning, WKRBC Director of Donor Resources Vicki Ellis, reached out to Owensboro Times stressing the need for immediate donations of O negative blood.
“The request from the hospitals is greater than our current stock,” Ellis said. “In order for us to meet that demand, we have to have people come in. Our community is great about responding when there is a need.”
While the Blood Center has been pulling call lists from the donor base, Ellis said O negative blood is something that the center must always have on hand.
“O negative is the universal donor, so that means in an emergency situation they don’t have to type and cross — so it is in great demand,” Ellis said. “And O negative can only receive O negative, so it is not compatible with any other blood type.”
Anyone with an O negative or A positive blood type that meets the donation criteria is encouraged to donate as soon as possible.
Ellis reminds donors to make sure they eat well before and after donating blood. A medication and short screening will be conducted upon arrival at the Blood Center.
Donors must weigh at least 115 pounds, have a photo ID and be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent.
The WKRBC will be open for donations Monday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Additional information can be found on the WKRBC website, Facebook page or by calling (270)684-9296.
While O negative and A positive are currently the blood types of most critical need, the Blood Center welcomes anyone that meets the donation criteria and wishes to donate.
