Local patients depend on anonymous blood donors to roll up their sleeves and donate blood throughout the year. Now, more than ever, every blood donor is critical to Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) and the 70-plus hospitals it serves throughout Kentucky.

The Boyle County Public Library has received approval from the state and local health departments to host the City of Danville Community Blood Drive on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the library located at 307 W. Broadway in Danville. 

In order to accommodate the blood drive, the library will be closed to the general public on Wednesday. Regular in-person library services will resume on the following day.

“The library has maintained a long standing partnership with the Kentucky Blood Center to provide space for regular blood drives,” said Public Services Librarian Caleb Conover. “Because of the level of community participation, these drives are held monthly. In spite of the restrictions and scaled back services that the library has experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that one of the most essential things we can do at this time is maintain our partnership with KBC.”

Blood drives are viewed as a medically essential service due to the dire need of blood. Donating blood is a tangible way to help those in need. Those interested in participating may call (800) 775-2522 or visit kybloodcenter.org to schedule an appointment. 

All donors will receive a $10 Walmart gift card and will be entered in a drawing to win a $500 gift card. This summer KBC is drawing two winners each week for 16 weeks – awarding $16,000 to lifesaving blood donors.

“Across the nation, we are continuing to see news of blood supply shortages. KBC supplies blood specifically to local Kentucky hospitals – including Ephraim McDowell,” said Conover. Danville-Boyle County continues to set records for blood drive participation levels, especially during the pandemic. 

The blood drive held at the library in July brought in 76 volunteers who donated a total of 72 pints of blood. “As the child of someone who battled cancer, involving many blood transfusions, I can’t begin to express how deeply grateful I am for all of the donors who participate in our drives,” said Conover.

Kentucky Blood Center will take special COVID-19 precautions at the blood drive, and additional protocols will be in place. Face masks and appointments are required to donate. Donors will be asked to stay in their vehicle until their donation time. Donors will be checked-in at the lobby, including a temperature check. Anyone with a fever will not be allowed to donate. The KBC has numerous preventative measures in place to ensure the safety of the donors, the staff, and the blood supply. 

Blood donors must be at least 17-years-old (or 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.