Patients across the nation are in trouble. The pool of donors providing millions of Americans with life-saving blood is declining at a detrimental rate. Roughly 45 percent of the nation’s blood donors are over 50 years old and, as the population ages, it gets harder to maintain the levels needed to save lives.
Earlier this week, the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center (WKRBC) conducted its Save Our Summer (SOS) drive in order to encourage a much-needed summer boost in blood donations.
Friday, June 14, World Blood Donor Day, WKRBC is highlighting the critical need for regular blood donations by hoping to help engage a new generation of young donors. WKRBC has partnered with Team Liquid, a multi-regional, professional esports organization with a national fan base of more than seven million gamers.
The WKRBC Team Liquid partnership takes aim at a key demographic – less than 20 percent of blood donations come from millennials (age 20-34 years), with young males donating at even lesser rates.
“Now charged to carry the blood needs of the Baby Boomer generation, the millennial donor is a key component to the future success of our blood center,” said WKRBC Director of Donor Resources, Vicki Ellis.
Custom, limited edition “Team Liquid Turns Red” T-shirts will be offered to everyone who donates in the Owensboro Center June 14 -21, 2019.
“We’re proud to partner with Blood Centers of America and its members on this life-saving initiative,” said Team Liquid’s CEO, Steve Arhancet. “Our fans are such a supportive, tight-knit community, and now we’re calling on them to help us accomplish something bigger than what we could achieve in any competition. Collectively, we have the opportunity to make a measurable impact on communities as well as save lives.”
The need for blood is significant. Every two seconds, an American needs blood. One whole pint of blood can save three or more lives. As the primary blood provider for western Kentucky, WKRBC ensures donated blood reaches patients at six area hospitals.
“Engaging blood donors in a platform they are already utilizing maximizes their participation,” said Ellis.
Those interested in donating may visit the Owensboro location at 3015 Old Hartford Rd. Monday through Friday. Anyone with questions about donating may call (270) 684-9296 or visit www.wkrbc.org
