Seasonal travel, school breaks, and a rise in traumatic accidents during the summer months contribute to emergency shortage of blood and platelets
KANSAS CITY, MO – Community Blood Center (CBC) is declaring a blood emergency due to a significant drop in blood donations. In the past several weeks, donations have been hundreds short of what is needed to meet hospital demand, placing a strain on the region’s blood supply during the critical summer months.
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The weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day are often referred to as ‘trauma season’ due to a spike in traumatic accidents during the warmer months. About 25% of trauma patients require blood transfusions, so an increase in traumas can strain an already limited blood supply. Additionally, school breaks, travel, and busy summer schedules make blood donation less of a priority and often lead to seasonal shortages.
“The need for blood donations is constant, but the need is especially vital across Missouri this time of year,” said Paula F. Nickelson, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director. “I highly encourage those who can donate the lifesaving gift of blood to do so as often as possible. It is a simple act of kindness that makes a significant impact on the health and well-being of our communities.”
“We know the demand is extremely high for blood donations across Kansas and our region,” Kansas Department of Health and Environment Deputy Secretary for Public Health Ashley Goss said. “This demand puts a heavy burden on our hospitals across the state. We urge Kansas citizens to take some time this summer to consider making a blood donation. It is a great way to have a lasting impact on their communities.”
“A single donation can be lifesaving for multiple patients. Blood donors help replenish critical blood supplies and support our healthcare system’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively in crisis situations,” said Stephen Reintjes Sr., MD, President and CEO of North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health. “I encourage donations to ensure blood is available when it’s needed in our communities.”
“This summer season, we’re facing a critical situation with our local blood supply. This shortage has a direct impact on the lives of patients in our communities,” said Mike Poore, MBA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of Mosaic Life Care. “If you’re able, please consider giving blood—this gift can make a difference for someone and ensures our blood bank has the resources they need for our area.”
“Stormont Vail Health typically sees an increase in the need for donated blood components during summer months, when people are more active outdoors and there are often more traumatically injured patients,” said Carrie Easley, MLS (ASCP) SBB, Laboratory Manager, Quality and Safety Transfusion at Stormont Vail Health. These needs are in addition to the patients that we are already supporting, such as our premature infants, patients being treated for cancer, and those undergoing cardiac surgery. This blood needs to be on our shelves at the moment it is needed. Our patients can’t wait. To ensure there are adequate blood resources, we encourage those in our region to consider donating blood during this critical time.”
The region currently only has a 2-day blood supply of types O- and B-, well below the optimal level of 5-7 days. Platelets and all other blood types are also in short supply. To encourage donations, all donors who show up to donate at any CBC donation location July 8 – July 31 will be entered in a drawing to win Chiefs tickets to one of the first four pre-season or regular season home games.*
“While the summer months bring warm weather and joyful gatherings of family and friends, each year our hospitals receive an influx of trauma patients that need our help and require blood transfusions for treatment,” said Jennifer Kaluza, Executive Director at Community Blood Center. “As we navigate these challenging months, we call on our community to give back by making blood donation a regular part of their summer activities.”
CBC hosts daily blood drives and operates 8 area donor centers to reach donors and meet local hospital needs. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit savealifenow.org or call 877.468.6844.
*Chiefs ticket sweepstakes terms and conditions can be found here.
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About Community Blood Center of Kansas City
Founded in 1958, Community Blood Center (CBC) celebrates over 65 Years of Lifesaving Research, Innovation and Impact. CBC provides over 90% of the blood used by hospitals throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area, as well as eastern Kansas and western Missouri. CBC provides nearly 200,000 blood products each year to over 60 area hospitals and relies on volunteer donors each day to meet the need for lifesaving gifts of blood. CBC operates 365/24/7 to deliver safe, high-quality products to meet transfusion needs for routine care and emergencies. CBC is a Division of New York Blood Center, Inc. (a family of operating Divisions known as New York Blood Center Enterprises). For more information, visit savealifenow.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.