Baptist Health Paducah expects increase in first time donors due to FDA change

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. 

(PADUCAH, KY) March 8, 2023 - Baptist Health Paducah is hosting its March blood drive in partnership with the Kentucky Blood Center (KBC). The drive will be a two day event held on Wednesday, March 15 (3-5:30 p.m.) and Thursday, March 16 (7 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the Carson-Myre Heart Center in the Barnes Auditorium. All donors will receive a KBC T-shirt while supplies last.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease indefinite deferral guidance for blood donors who spent time in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland from 1980-2001, as well as those who received a blood transfusion in those countries from 1980-present. This change means that many donors who have previously been unable to donate at a Kentucky Blood Center or other blood banks may now be eligible to help save someone’s life.

The number one reason people give blood is to help others in their community. One person’s donation can save as many as three lives. Blood donations are used for patients going through surgical procedures, childbirth, anemia, cancer treatments and more.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a donation for March 15 or 16, visit Kentucky - Donor Portal (kybloodcenter.org). Before signing up, please ensure that you meet the requirement to give blood. The donor must be at least 16 years-old, weigh at least 110 pounds and must be in good health and feeling well.