FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 12, 2024) – On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear donated blood in the State Capitol Rotunda to help address the national emergency blood shortage. They encouraged all Kentuckians to sign up for a blood drive near them by visiting Governor.ky.gov/GiveBlood.
“Donating blood is one of the most important ways we can protect all our families,” the First Lady said. “That’s why I asked Team Kentucky to come together to donate today, and our people stepped up. This drive has already shown that we can truly make a difference when we work toward the same big goal and each do our part.”
The First Lady also thanked Kentucky State Police (KSP) Cadet Class 104 for answering the call to save lives by hosting a blood drive at the KSP Training Academy on Monday, Feb. 19. The drive is open to Kentuckians from 2 to 5 p.m. EST. Those interested in participating can sign up at Governor.ky.gov/GiveBlood, by visiting the Red Cross website and entering the sponsor code “KSPAcademy” or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
“Unfortunately, the number of U.S. blood donors has reached a 20-year low. We have to change that and make sure our hospitals are ready with the supplies they need to treat anyone who needs a blood donation,” the First Lady said. “That’s why Andy and I are so grateful to Cadet Class 104 for hosting this drive to help save lives.”
“We are proud to see this KSP cadet class exemplify the spirit of service and community that we cherish in our commonwealth,” said Beshear. “I applaud their dedication to hosting this blood drive, which will undoubtedly save lives and make a difference in our communities.”
Every KSP cadet class organizes a community class project. Cadet Class 102 traveled to Eastern Kentucky to help communities clean up after the devastating floods in 2022. Class 103 raised funds for the family of a trooper who lost his battle with cancer.
KSP Academy Commander Joseph Vorbeck said that after hearing the Beshears’ call for assistance, Cadet Class 104 chose to host a blood drive as their project.
“At the KSP Academy, we instill in our training the importance of troopers serving others and positively impacting their local communities,” said Vorbeck. “I, along with the academy staff, am proud of this class for organizing the event and embodying the values of a Kentucky State Trooper.”