CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — Kentucky Blood Center is asking Martin County residents to help replenish the blood supply during a community blood drive Sept. 15 at the Martin County Public Library at the Collier Center.

The Martin County Community Blood Drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Collier Center gym, 387 East Main Street in Inez.

All donors will receive a “Grab a Slice of Saving Lives” T-shirt while supplies last.

Kentucky Blood Center said in a news release that it is coming off a difficult summer in which blood donations declined while hospital transfusions increased.

Summer collections often fall because of vacations, the absence of school blood drives and extreme temperatures that can discourage donors from attending drives, according to the release. At the same time, hospitals typically see increased demand during the summer trauma season, when emergency rooms treat more severe and life-threatening injuries requiring blood transfusions.

KBC said community blood drives are especially important heading into fall.

“Fall blood drives like this one in your community are important to restock hospital shelves,” the organization said. “Because blood cannot be manufactured, the health of the local blood supply relies entirely on the generosity of Kentucky donors.”

Kentucky Blood Center is the exclusive blood provider for most hospitals in Central and Eastern Kentucky.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent; weigh at least 110 pounds; be in good health; show a photo ID; and meet additional eligibility requirements.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Donors can schedule an appointment at kybloodcenter.org or by calling 800-775-2522.