Lexington, Kentucky, January 16, 2026
The Kentucky Blood Center has revised its blood donation criteria, allowing certain cancer survivors to donate blood one year after treatment completion. This update addresses blood supply challenges by widening the donor base. Eligible donors include those treated for specific cancers like organ cancers and melanoma. While this measure boosts potential donations, individuals with blood-related cancers remain ineligible. Dr. Dennis Williams reassured that cancer transmission through blood transfusions is not a concern, emphasizing safety in blood donations. The center operates multiple locations and conducts mobile drives to meet the state’s demand for blood.
Lexington, Kentucky – The Kentucky Blood Center has updated its blood donation eligibility criteria, now allowing certain cancer survivors to donate blood one year after completing treatment. This change aims to address ongoing blood supply challenges by expanding the donor pool.
Expanded Eligibility
Individuals who have finished treatment for specific cancers, including organ cancers and melanoma, are now eligible to donate blood. Previously, a waiting period of more than a year was required before these individuals could donate. The updated guidelines are effective immediately at Kentucky Blood Center locations statewide.
Safety Assurance
Dr. Dennis Williams, Medical Director at Kentucky Blood Center, emphasized that there is no evidence that cancer can be transmitted through blood transfusion. This update allows more people to help save lives while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Ongoing Restrictions
Despite the expanded eligibility, individuals who have had cancers affecting the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system remain ineligible to donate. Additionally, certain cancer medications may still prevent donation, and standard health requirements continue to apply.
Addressing Blood Supply Needs
The Kentucky Blood Center relies on volunteer blood donors to supply more than 70 hospitals throughout the Commonwealth, with a daily demand of 400 units. The organization operates eight permanent blood donation locations in Lexington, Louisville, Corbin, Frankfort, Pikeville, and Somerset, and conducts mobile blood drives across the state. For more information or to schedule a donation, visit the Kentucky Blood Center’s official website.
Background
Blood donations are crucial for various medical treatments, including surgeries, trauma care, and cancer treatments. The Kentucky Blood Center’s initiative to include more cancer survivors as donors is part of a broader effort to ensure a sufficient and diverse blood supply for patients in need.
FAQ
- What recent change has the Kentucky Blood Center made regarding blood donation eligibility?
- The Kentucky Blood Center has updated its blood donation eligibility criteria, now allowing certain cancer survivors to donate blood one year after completing treatment. This change aims to address ongoing blood supply challenges by expanding the donor pool.
- Which types of cancer survivors are now eligible to donate blood?
- Individuals who have finished treatment for specific cancers, including organ cancers and melanoma, are now eligible to donate blood. Previously, a waiting period of more than a year was required before these individuals could donate. The updated guidelines are effective immediately at Kentucky Blood Center locations statewide.
- What safety measures are in place to ensure the safety of blood donations from cancer survivors?
- Dr. Dennis Williams, Medical Director at Kentucky Blood Center, emphasized that there is no evidence that cancer can be transmitted through blood transfusion. He stated, “This update allows more people to help save lives while maintaining the highest safety standards.”
- Are there any restrictions still in place for blood donations from cancer survivors?
- Despite the expanded eligibility, individuals who have had cancers affecting the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system remain ineligible to donate. Additionally, certain cancer medications may still prevent donation, and standard health requirements continue to apply.
- How does the Kentucky Blood Center address the ongoing need for blood donations?
- The Kentucky Blood Center relies on volunteer blood donors to supply more than 70 hospitals throughout the Commonwealth, with a daily demand of 400 units. The organization operates eight permanent blood donation locations in Lexington, Louisville, Corbin, Frankfort, Pikeville, and Somerset, and conducts mobile blood drives across the state. For more information or to schedule a donation, visit the Kentucky Blood Center’s official website.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Expanded Eligibility | Certain cancer survivors, including those treated for organ cancers and melanoma, are now eligible to donate blood one year after completing treatment. |
| Safety Assurance | No evidence suggests that cancer can be transmitted through blood transfusion, ensuring the safety of recipients. |
| Ongoing Restrictions | Individuals with cancers affecting the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system remain ineligible to donate; certain cancer medications may also prevent donation. |
| Addressing Blood Supply Needs | The Kentucky Blood Center operates eight permanent donation locations and conducts mobile blood drives to meet the daily demand of 400 units across more than 70 hospitals. |
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