Get a free shirt and free ice cream, and support the blood supply, at KBC blood drive

The Kentucky Blood Center says one way to show your patriotism this summer is by donating blood.

The KBC says 400 daily blood donors are needed to maintain a healthy blood supply at local hospitals. Blood donations typically see a drop in the summer months as families make plans for travel and summer fun, and blood drives at school locations are unavailable due to summer break, so proactive donations are critical.

The KBC will be hosting a blood drive at the Baptist Health Hardin auditorium from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 5. In addition to supporting Kentuckians in need, donors will receive a special KBC “United We Give” t-shirt and a voucher for a free pint of Blue Bell ice cream, while supplies last.

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 I.D., and meet additional requirements.

The KBC says blood donated through the organization stays local to aid patients for a wide variety of local procedures such as cancer treatment, trauma surgery, and childbirth, among others. One in four people will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime.

Visit www.kybloodcenter.org or call 1-800-775-2522 for more information.