PADUCAH, KY - This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you can follow Dr. King’s example of bringing hope and healing to those in need by donating blood. Dr. King was a civil rights champion who valued courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service. Donating blood is a proactive way you can make a difference.

For several years, the Women’s Group at Rosary Chapel Catholic Church in Paducah has honored one of America’s great heroes by holding a blood drive in his memory.

“He paid the ultimate price of losing his life through bloodshed,” said Rose Lowery, member of Rosary Chapel Catholic Church. “In Dr. King’s memory, the Women’s Group wanted to give life back to the community by encouraging others to donate blood.”

Blood donors of all races and ethnic backgrounds are important to maintaining an adequate blood supply. Whether you are type A, B or O, your blood donation is important to the American Red Cross. In fact, just one blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives. 

Lowery is in the medical field and sees the importance of blood on a daily basis. “Sometimes the minutes are very critical when you are waiting for blood, so having it on hand is such a blessing. You never know when you may be the next person needing blood.”

Every year, the Women’s Group provides a variety of homemade meals for donors and this year is no different. “We figure, if people come out and give we want to give them something in return for their time and efforts,” said Lowery.

In addition to a delicious meal, all presenting donors will be entered in a drawing to win a $1,000 gift card to a home improvement store.

You are invited to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. with the Rosary Chapel Women’s Group by giving blood on Friday, January 18 from 12:30 - 4:30 pm at Rosary Chapel Catholic Church located at 711 Ohio Street in Paducah.

To be a part of this blood drive, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation and enter the sponsor code: 0194033

Most healthy individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent) and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood. Individuals 18 years of age or younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements. Please visit www.redcrossblood.org for more information.

The Tennessee Valley Blood Region serves about 60 hospitals and must have approximately 600 people donate blood or platelets each weekday to meet the needs of hospital patients.