Urgent Community Blood Drives
Midwest Communities Launch Urgent Blood Drives to Replenish Hospital Supplies
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Kentucky Blood Center said its summer blood donations declined because of vacations, the absence of school drives and extreme heat, while trauma-season injuries increased demand for transfusions. Because blood cannot be manufactured, the local supply depends entirely on donor contributions.
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The Russell County drive will offer one donor a $100 gift card, sponsored by district judge candidate Athena Cooper Bradshaw, in addition to the “Grab a Slice of Saving Lives” T-shirt available while supplies last.
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Kentucky Blood Center’s stated eligibility requirements include being at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent; weighing at least 110 pounds; being in good health; showing photo identification; and meeting additional requirements. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
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The Sheboygan Fire Department said its next community blood drive after the Sept. 24 event is scheduled for Nov. 19, giving residents another opportunity to donate.
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ImpactLife directed prospective donors to its website or mobile app for appointments and eligibility information and provided a toll-free number, (800) 747-5401, for assistance.
Blood banks across Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois are ramping up donation drives to fight critical shortages that hospitals say threaten patient care. Kentucky Blood Center reports that summer donations dropped sharply due to vacations, canceled school drives, and extreme heat, while trauma-season injuries have spiked demand for transfusions. Since blood cannot be made in labs, hospitals depend entirely on donor contributions to stay stocked.
The push includes community events across four states this fall, from the Sheboygan Fire Department's Sept. 24 drive to Ascension St. Vincent and American Red Cross events honoring a 5-year-old donor advocate. Several blood centers are also competing in a national competition offering $1 million to the winning university and branded merchandise to donors.
Summer Heat and Vacations Drained Blood Banks
Kentucky Blood Center found that donations fell significantly over the summer months. Fewer people gave blood because many were on vacation, schools weren't holding drives, and extreme heat kept donors away. At the same time, hospitals needed more blood. Hot weather increases trauma injuries like car crashes and falls, raising transfusion demand when supply was already low.
Kentucky Offers Prizes to Boost September Turnout
Kentucky Blood Center will host a Russell County drive in Jamestown on Sept. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., offering donors a free T-shirt while supplies last. One lucky donor will also win a $100 gift card, sponsored by district judge candidate Athena Cooper Bradshaw. The drive accepts walk-ins, though appointments are preferred.
To donate, you must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and show photo ID. Kentucky Blood Center has strict health requirements to keep both donors and recipients safe. Call ahead or book online to secure a spot.
Wisconsin and Indiana Launch Companion Drives
The Sheboygan Fire Department will run a Versiti blood drive on Sept. 24 from 1 to 7 p.m., accepting both walk-ins and appointments. Donors can give whole blood or double-red-cell blood, which allows donors to give twice as many red blood cells in a single visit. A second drive is already scheduled for Nov. 19 to keep donations flowing through fall.
Just across the border in Newburgh, Indiana, Ascension St. Vincent and the American Red Cross will hold a Sept. 24 drive honoring 5-year-old Jentry Pace. Meanwhile, LifeServe Blood Center has planned additional October drives throughout the region and is competing in a national Abbott and Big Ten "We Give" campaign that offers school merchandise and a $1 million grant to the winning university.
How to Donate and Get Help
ImpactLife urges prospective donors to visit their website or mobile app to check eligibility and book appointments. The organization also offers a toll-free helpline at (800) 747-5401 for questions about donation requirements or to find nearby drives. Walk-ins are welcome at most locations, but scheduling ahead ensures shorter wait times and helps blood centers plan staffing.
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