Kentucky Blood Center Faces Critical O-Negative Shortage

UK partners with blood center to host drive as supplies dwindle after winter storm cancellations

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:52pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image showing the intricate structure of a human blood vessel, conceptually representing the critical need for blood donations.An X-ray image reveals the delicate network of veins that make up the human circulatory system, highlighting the vital importance of maintaining a steady blood supply.Lexington Today

The Kentucky Blood Center is facing a critical shortage of O-negative blood and is partnering with the University of Kentucky to host a blood drive this week. The shortage comes after a winter storm in January caused drive cancellations, leaving the supply low. The blood center is urging those with O-negative blood to donate as soon as possible to help replenish the supply.

Why it matters

Blood donations are crucial for supporting a wide range of medical procedures and treatments, from surgeries to cancer care to organ transplants. When supplies run low, it can put patients at risk. The Kentucky Blood Center serves over 70 hospitals, making this shortage a serious concern for the region.

The details

The Kentucky Blood Center said a massive transfusion procedure this past weekend has wiped out much of their local O-negative blood supply. They are now down to about half a day's worth of O-negative blood, which they consider a critical shortage level. The blood center is partnering with the University of Kentucky to host blood drives on campus this week to try to quickly rebuild their O-negative reserves.

  • A winter storm in January hit during the blood center's Big Blue Slam event, causing drive cancellations throughout the week.
  • This past weekend, a massive transfusion procedure depleted much of the local O-negative blood supply.

The players

Kentucky Blood Center

A non-profit organization that collects, processes and distributes blood and blood products to more than 70 hospitals across Kentucky.

University of Kentucky

A public research university located in Lexington, Kentucky that is hosting blood drives this week in partnership with the Kentucky Blood Center.

Eric Lindsey

A spokesperson for the Kentucky Blood Center who is urging donors to come forward to help replenish the critical O-negative blood shortage.

Kayley Payne

A University of Kentucky student who regularly donates blood and understands the importance of blood donations after her brother needed a life-saving transfusion.

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What they’re saying

“You can't predict when you're going to need it, but the important thing is as an individual, when you need it, that blood has to already be at the hospitals, has to be on the shelves in order to serve you.”

— Eric Lindsey, Spokesperson, Kentucky Blood Center

“My brother two years ago, he was in a severe car accident and whenever they were life flighting him to the hospital he had over twenty units of blood. It's just something small I can do to help give back to people who need it.”

— Kayley Payne, University of Kentucky Student

What’s next

The Kentucky Blood Center is urging all donors with O-negative blood to visit one of the blood drive locations at the University of Kentucky this week to help replenish the critical shortage.

The takeaway

This shortage highlights the constant need for blood donations, especially of rare types like O-negative, to ensure hospitals have the supplies on hand to handle emergencies and support vital medical procedures. By partnering with the University of Kentucky, the blood center hopes to quickly rebuild its O-negative reserves and avoid any disruptions in care.