The KABB was founded in 1963 by the late H. Davis Chipps, M.D., Pathologist at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington. He was the first President. Evelyn Fleming, American Red Cross - Louisville, was the first Secretary-Treasurer and held that position for many years. Lexington hosted the first KABB meeting in the spring of 1963. Each spring thereafter, one-day meetings were held, alternating between Louisville and Lexington. An exception was a meeting held at Fort Knox, which included a tour of Colonel Frank Camp's Laboratory.

A highlight of the earlier KABB was a traveling workshop in 1972, sponsored by the KABB and KSCLS (formally KSSMT) entitled "QC in the Blood Bank." The workshop was held at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green and at Morehead State University.

The rebirth of KABB, prompted by Jack Duggin, Louisville Red Cross and Teresa Sammons, MT(ASCP)SBB, Suburban Medical Center in Louisville, occurred in January 1988 at a group meeting in Owensboro, open to anyone interested in revitalizing the state blood bank association. A pledge to expand upon the original purpose and dedication of KABB, to enhance the educational goals of the organization, and to include all blood banking disciplines was proposed by all those present.

The annual meetings, now held in September, are two days in length and are alternately held in Louisville and Lexington. One-day spring meetings held at various state parks, are favorites for their informative content and informal camaraderie.

In 1996, a new education opportunity became available for the membership, using Interactive TV. These sessions were held in various locations across the Commonwealth to offer information and education to all areas.

Also in 1996, the Education Coordinator added yet another opportunity in the form of case studies available to member hospitals. This is currently used by members for excellent training opportunities.

The KABB has once again become a vital and growing influence upon everyone in Kentucky associated with blood banking. Its future is sure to be long and prosperous.