LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) is calling on local donors to help replenish the blood supply after recent winter weather disrupted collections. According to a release from KBC, more than 800 donations were lost last week due to mobile drive cancellations, shortened collection hours, and low turnout. The impact of the winter weather has further strained the blood supply, which was already low following the holiday season. Many blood types are now at critically low levels. “We need donors to step up and help us dig out of a hole,” said Mandy Brajuha, vice president of external relations for KBC, in the release. “With a break in the weather and several blood types at less than a day’s supply, we hope donors will act and visit a nearby location in the coming days so we are prepared when the next bout of winter weather hits the Bluegrass.” Donation Opportunities KBC operates eight donor centers in six cities across Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville, Corbin, Frankfort, Pikeville, and Somerset. Additionally, more than 20 public mobile drives are available this week in Central and Eastern Kentucky. Donor centers are typically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A full list of donor center hours and locations is available on the KBC website. Details for mobile drives can be found here. Incentives for Donors All donors will receive a limited-edition KBC sweatshirt as a thank-you gift. Additionally, those who donate on Monday, January 8, will also receive a $10 Walmart gift card when donating at a KBC donor center. How to Donate Whole blood donations take less than an hour, from registration to refreshments, and all donations stay in Kentucky to support patients in need of blood for trauma, surgeries, cancer treatments, organ transplants, and other critical procedures. Donors must meet the following requirements: Be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent) Weigh at least 110 pounds Be in general good health Present a photo ID Meet additional eligibility criteria Appointments are preferred but not required, and walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit kybloodcenter.org. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: blood, Collections, Donations, Donors, Impact, KBC, local news, News, Winter Weather