Community Blood Center joins national blood emergency appeal in wake of winter storm

Community Blood Center (CBC) has joined blood centers across the country in an emergency plea for blood donors following a holiday season of low donor turnout and recent winter weather that resulted in widespread cancellation of appointments and blood drives. Additionally, a recent spike in seasonal illnesses across the region are preventing many from donating.
 
Last year, blood collections in the region were the lowest they’ve been in six years, down by nearly 18,000 donations since 2021 alone. Additionally, CBC has seen a nearly 40% drop in donations in the last three weeks, further crippling the inventory that was already in short supply. There is currently only a 1-day supply of types O-, O+, and B-, as well as a critical shortage of platelets. The Kansas City community is not alone; blood emergencies have been declared across the country, indicating that there is no national surplus of blood at this time.
 
"In the midst of the nation-wide blood emergency, and in the wake of recent winter storms, we are calling on all who are eligible to make an immediate blood or platelet donation,” Chelsey Smith, Director of Public Relations at Community Blood Center said. “After a year of record-low donations across our region, the current blood supply is dangerously low, and donors are needed to ensure patients in our community get the lifesaving treatment they need."
 
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and up to 6 times a year. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, click here or call 800.688.0900. To make an appointment, call 877.468.6844, or visit savealifenow.org.
​