WKRBC Unveils Second Bloodmobile

Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center is excited to unveil an additional bloodmobile to serve the community. The new mobile blood donation center will be on display at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital from 10 a.m. to noon on November 14, with a press conference taking place at 10 a.m. 

In late 2020, Impact100 awarded a $100,000 grant to the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center toward the purchase of a second bloodmobile. Owensboro Health matched their grant in 2021, and donations from Wal-Mart Giving, the Fraternal Order of Eagles 4168, and an additional $20,000 from raffles held by WKRBC covered the total $368,389 price tag.

“Impact100 challenges our members to give big and challenges our nonprofits to dream big. WKRBC dreamt so big that our transformational grant was doubled by the generosity of Owensboro Health and this beautiful new vehicle is evidence of those dreams coming true!” Dr. Jodi Krahwinkel, President of Impact100 Owensboro, said. “It is a testament to desire, determination, collaboration, and patience. We are thrilled with the results and can’t wait to see how it impacts our community going forward.”

Having an additional bloodmobile will allow WKRBC to expand its mobile donation abilities and provide a safe and reliable way for individuals to donate blood. A partnership with Owensboro Health is a natural fit since it will help WKRBC fulfill the blood supply needs for Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center, and other medical facilities in Western Kentucky.

“WKRBC was established in 1978 to supply blood to five western Kentucky hospitals, including then Mercy and Owensboro Daviess County Hospital. The center was born from a dire need for a dedicated source of voluntarily donated blood,” Vicki Ellis, ​​Director of Communications, Development and Recruitment at Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center, said. “Since then, we have grown to service 10 medical facilities, including three Air Evac helicopters; however, our commitment remains the same: to provide 100% of the lifesaving blood products and components required to maintain safe and adequate blood supplies in the region, specifically in our community, for our friends, our neighbors and our families. The generous investments of Impact100 and Owensboro Health helped to make the dream of operating two bloodmobiles and two fixed sites simultaneously a reality, therefore further promising a reliable blood supply and success in executing our mission. 100%, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year — this is our promise.”

Owensboro Health is the main recipient of the WKRBC blood supply. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the hospital used nearly 7,000 units of red blood cells, plasma and platelets from WKRBC. 

Currently, 55% of WKRBC blood donations are collected via blood drives held on the existing bloodmobile. A second vehicle propels donations toward thousands of potential additional donors each year, and a one-time donation can save as many as three lives. The new bloodmobile is expected to serve WKRBC and this community for as long as 15 years to come.

Owensboro Health team members participate in these blood drives, held four times a year at four locations, for a combined 16 donation opportunities. Those donations are life-saving treatments for everyone, from NICU babies to trauma and cancer patients.