We could not have achieved [the funds for our Bloodmobile] without the Impact100 grant.
The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center (WKRBC) is a nonprofit community blood center serving nine medical facilities in western Kentucky. WKRBC provides the much needed and most safe blood products and related services to our region. WKRBC is the sole supplier of blood products and components to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital (OHRH), a Level 3 trauma center, responsible for 100% of patient blood needs. In 2019, WKRBC found itself in great need of critical equipment. We applied for all three Impact100 grant categories, made it to finals in the $13,000 and the $100,000 categories. We were awarded $13,000 to replace our center’s donor beds. We gained a lot of knowledge and returned in 2020 determined to earn $100,000 to invest in a $368,000 bloodmobile. We were dependent on a single, 14-year-old bloodmobile responsible for collecting 65% of the blood supply. When we applied for the $100,000 grant, we were hopeful matching grants would follow. And they DID! Once we received Impact100 funding, OHRH stepped up with another $100,000. Our Bloodmobile is ordered, in production, and we will hopefully take delivery by the end of 2021. We could not have achieved this without the Impact100 grant. Owensboro, KY may be “small-town USA” but our Impact100 chapter is huge! The Impact100 grant process is proven, thorough and well respected. The entire membership votes, not just a few. The entire process is positive, high energy, adrenaline pumping! They encourage you each step of the way. It isn’t a popularity contest, though, it’s well informed women putting their dollars to work in their community. They transform their community one project at a time and bring the best programming to Owensboro, KY.
