Places to donate blood in Louisville

Here’s what you need to do

• Read up on the requirements for donating blood to see if you are eligible to give blood.
• You’ll be asked to complete a Blood Donor History Questionnaire to fast track your appointment. No worries if you can’t get to it ahead of time, you can always complete it on site if that works better for you.
• When you arrive to donate blood, expect a short physical (temperature, pulse, blood pressure check, and a small finger prick to check your hemoglobin levels).
• If you’re cleared to donate, sit back and relax — it’ll be over before you know it.

Things to remember

• Eat a hardy meal beforehand + give yourself an hour to digest.
• Drink an extra 16 oz of room temperature water prior to your donation in order to prep your veins. Make sure to continue drinking extra water after donating.
• Avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day.
• Incorporate iron rich foods into your meals after donating.
• Eating + drinking properly beforehand will help prevent passing out. However, if you do pass out, you are in the care of well-trained nurses who will look after you.

• Jazz Night | Wednesday, Apr. 12 | 8-10 p.m. | The Whirling Tiger, 1335 Story Ave., Louisville | Free | Enjoy happy hour 5-7 p.m. before jazz performances in the lounge.

• Louisville Ballet’s La Sylphide with Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony | Thursday, Apr. 13-Saturday, Apr. 15 | Times vary | The Brown Theatre, 315 W. Broadway, Louisville | $35-$110 | Made new for 21st-century audiences, “La Sylphide” tells this romantic story of humanity colliding with the magical, unattainable love, and the destructive power of desire and envy.*
• Good Business Summit | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 8 a.m. | Kentucky International Convention Center, 221 S. 4th St., Louisville | $40 | Learn about the global Good Business movement and its impact on Kentucky with coffee + lunch provided.
• S. 4th Night Market | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 4-8 p.m. | Downtown, S. 4th Street between Guthrie and West Chestnut Streets, Louisville | Free | Shop this outdoor, pop-up market + grab a bite to eat from a local food vendor.

• QiGong Spring Series with Martha | Friday, Apr. 14 | 10-11 a.m. | Fox Hollow Farms, 8905 Hwy. 329, Crestwood | $15-$65 | Try this movement and meditation practice that has been practiced in China for 4,000+ years.
• Spring into Derby | Friday, Apr. 14-Sunday, Apr. 16 | Paristown’s Arts District, 731 Brent St., Louisville | Free | Shop from an open art market, see Derby-themed demonstrations — plus, catch a performance from The Juice Box Heroes.

• Block Party | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, 3029 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville | Free | Join the Kentucky Derby Festival at this family-friendly event with food trucks, a vendor marketplace, wellness activations, inflatables, and live music.
• Audubon Park 2023 Dogwood Festival | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 12-9 p.m. | Henderson Park, 3219 Wren Rd., Louisville | Free | Enjoy live music, 17+ food trucks, and kids activities.
• Drumline Battle Throw Down | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 5 p.m. | Big Four Lawn and Bridge, 1101 E. River Rd., Louisville | Free | Watch two groups comprised of Kentucky percussionists compete on the waterfront.

• Mellwood Art Center’s Spring Fling | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 1-5 p.m. | Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave., Louisville | Free | Shop from the artists and stores at this arts center.

• More than 17,000 potholes have been filled since January as part of Mayor Craig Greenberg’s 2023 Pothole Blitz. The initiative deploys nine Metro Public Works’ Roads and Operations teams daily to make repairs across Jefferson County. Learn how to report potholes in your area.

• This Friday, April 14, the library’s Main Branch will host a moderated community discussion around our city’s social infrastructure with Eric Klinenberg, author of “Palaces for the People.” The mayor and UofL’s Nat Irvin will also be at this free event starting at 2 p.m. — just be sure to register.

• To celebrate its centennial, The Brown Hotel is giving 10 people the chance to book a luxury stay for $19.23. Beginning Saturday, April 15, submit your favorite story about the historic hotel, its founder J. Graham Brown, or its famous hot brown for an opportunity to win the anniversary rate.

• Speaking of The Hot Brown…the sandwich of the month at Royals Hot Chicken is dedicated to Louisville’s culinary icon. The sandwich is made with 24-hour brined fried chicken smothered in mornay sauce + topped with bacon and roasted tomatoes.
• French, Mediterranean, or Korean (...or Polish, Moroccan, or Cajun)? Kroger has thousands of recipes from 46 different cuisines across the world — each sortable by ingredients, meal, time duration, and more. Read: Boring weekday meals are a thing of the past.*

• Future Ancestors, a student-led social justice group in Derby City, is hosting its Race4Justice running event on Saturday, June 17 at the Norton Sports and Learning Complex. Four race options are available — including a 26-lap team relay dedicated to Breonna Taylor. Proceeds from the races will benefit local nonprofits.

• The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport will host a second, week-long Global Entry enrollment event starting Monday, April 24. The program allows pre-approved travelers to expedite their entry into the US via automated kiosks — streamlining the arrival process. Get started by filling out an application.
• Planning a spring or summer getaway? Enter: Greenville, SC, an affordable and fun destination. From self-guided tours to museums, check out 18 Free Things To Do In Greenville.*

• We’re asking our readers to take our brief survey to help us ensure the content we deliver is relevant to you. Your feedback is important to us, and we’re all ears. Bonus: you’ll be entered into a drawing to win $500. Take the survey.

• YMCA of Greater Louisville is actively hiring for summer, part-time, and full-time staff at all locations, including Camp Piomingo. Employees will discover a welcoming, mission-driven community where they can learn, grow, and thrive while working at the Y. Perks include a free Y membership. Learn more + apply.*

• We’re firm believers in spoiling the ones we love — especially our pets. That’s why we’re adding these two things to our shopping carts: this customizable velvet collar and this durable bed that features a removable slipcover. Don’t forget the treats. We love these soft chews for doggos and these freeze dried snacks for cats.

• Sign up for one of the Mayor’s Give A Day volunteer opportunities — like helping out with the Central Park amphitheater beautification or preparing meals for people in need.
• Report your own volunteer service + share about it on social media using #MGAD2023.
• Do a random act of kindness.
• Donate money to the cause where funds are used to assist with Give A Day projects.