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As fun as summer is, it’s a tough time on the blood supply. Donors can ensure it’s a safe and enjoyable season for everyone by donating blood at this upcoming Kentucky Blood Center drive.

The Crab Orchard Community blood drive will be Monday, Aug. 26 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Crab Orchard Baptist Church, New Fellowship Hall, located at 319 Stanford St, Crab Orchard.

Blood collected at this drive will save the lives of patients in Kentucky who require products for surgeries, diseases like cancer, traumas, organ transplants, premature births and more.

All donors at this KBC drive will receive a limited-edition “Donor Vibes” T-shirt (while supplies last) as a thank you for boosting the summer blood supply.

Between warm-weather activities, family vacations and no school, donations typically dwindle during the summer months, but the need for blood doesn’t take a vacation. Summer activities often lead to an increase in accidents and traumas and a spike in transfusions.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (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.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a donation, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.

About Kentucky Blood Center

KBC, the largest independent, full-service, nonprofit blood center in Kentucky, has been saving local lives since 1968. Licensed by the FDA, KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Pikeville, Somerset and the Tri-County area (Corbin).