By Rick Howlett, Kentucky Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-973837.mp3
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The American Red Cross has begun laying off hundreds of workers nationwide in its blood services division as part of a restructuring plan.
Katy Maloy, the agency's spokeswoman in Louisville, says the cuts are necessary due to rising costs and a drop in monetary donations.
"The financial predictions for the next five years show that without changes the American Red Cross will face rising deficits in the years ahead."
Maloy says 400 to 500 job cuts are in store nationwide but there will be only three administrative jobs lost in the River Valley Blood Services Region, which serves the Louisville area and parts of Indiana and Illinois.
The Red Cross says eight workers are being laid off in the Greater Alleghenies Region, which serves a portion of eastern Kentucky.