ASHLAND, Ky.—The spread of COVID-19 across the U.S. has led to many blood drives being canceled, resulting in significant shortages in blood and blood products.

Blood donations are desperately needed now to meet the continuing needs of patients in our communities. The Kentucky Blood Center has several upcoming drives in April on the following dates:

• 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Tuesday, April 7 at Meade Station Church of God, 10255 Cedar Hill Drive, Ashland

• 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 at Paul G. Blazer High School Gymnasium, 1500 Blazer Blvd., Ashland

• 12:30–6 p.m. Monday, April 20 at King’s Daughters Health Education Center, Lexington Avenue Parking Garage, lower level, 2201 Lexington Ave., Ashland

During these drives, special precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of all donors and KBC personnel. This includes frequently sanitizing surfaces between donors; implementing a 6-foot separation between beds and screening stations; ensuring no more than 10 people are in a room at once; and screening donors’ temperatures at the door.

Potential donors are urged to schedule a donation appointment in advance. This will help ensure that social distancing requirements are met and that you will be able to donate. Please schedule your appointment as soon as possible because appointments are limited. To schedule an appointment, go to kybloodcenter.org or call 1-800-775-2522.

Please complete the health history questionnaire using KBC’s QuickPass tool on the day of your drive.

This will help reduce the amount of time donors spend at the blood drive and potentially allow more donors to contribute.

Donors will need to bring an ID.