As summer approaches and calendars fill up with school ceremonies, sporting events, and vacations, the American Red Cross is urging Kentuckians to make time to give blood before the busy season begins.
Patients rely on generous donors every day, and your donation could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Why Donate in May?
Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime—often without warning. Blood donations help ensure that hospitals are ready for anything, from car accidents to medical complications. This May is Trauma Awareness Month, making it an especially vital time to give.
Certain donations are in particularly high demand:
Type O Negative: The universal blood type, critical for emergencies when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type.
Type O Positive: The most commonly transfused blood type, used widely in trauma and surgical care.
Platelets: Help control bleeding and are often used for cancer patients or during major surgeries.
Make a Difference and Get Rewarded
Those who donate May 1–18, 2025, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Donate later in the month, May 19–31, and receive an exclusive American Red Cross solar lantern—perfect for camping or emergency kits—while supplies last.
Plus, everyone who donates in May will be entered for a chance to win a U.S. getaway for two! Full details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/May.
🩸 Local Blood Donation Opportunities: May 7–20, 2025
Paducah Blood Donation Center
4635 Falconcrest Drive, Paducah, KY
5/7: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
5/8–5/11: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
5/12–5/13: 12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
5/14: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
5/15: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
5/16: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
5/17–5/18: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
5/19–5/20: 12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Other Locations Across the Region
Bardwell: Bardwell Community Center, 5/8, 12–5 p.m.
Benton: Woodmen Life, 5/12, 12–6 p.m. | CFSB Benton, 5/16, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Mayfield: CFSB Mayfield, 5/9, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Vienna, IL: Fellowship Baptist Church, 5/19, 12–6 p.m.
Golconda, IL: First Baptist Church, 5/12, 12:30–5:30 p.m.
Fulton: First Baptist Church, 5/13, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Clinton: First United Methodist Church, 5/19, 12–6 p.m.
Fredonia: Fredonia Mennonite Church, 5/9, 12–5 p.m.
Hazel: Hazel Community Center, 5/15, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fancy Farm: Knights of Columbus Hall 1418, 5/18, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Eddyville: Lyon County Convention Center, 5/20, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Murray: MCCH Health & Wellness Center, 5/20, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5/8, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
💉 How to Donate
It’s easy to schedule your donation:
Visit RedCrossBlood.org
Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App
Or enable the Blood Donor Skill on Alexa
Bring a blood donor card, driver’s license, or two forms of ID. Donors must be at least 17 (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health. High school students and younger donors must meet additional height and weight requirements.
Save time with RapidPass® by completing your pre-donation health history online the day of your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.
🙋♂️ Want to Help Even More? Volunteer!
Support the Red Cross by becoming a blood donor ambassador, greeting and assisting donors at blood drives. Or become a transportation specialist, helping deliver blood to hospitals. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteertoday.
About the American Red Cross
The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, supports disaster relief, offers lifesaving training, assists military families, and provides global humanitarian aid. This work is powered by volunteers and donors like you. Learn more at redcross.org or follow @RedCross on social media.
