Community Blood Center in blood emergency

By Leah Rainwater

The Community Blood Center announced they are in a blood emergency in the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Topeka areas.

Typically, the center likes to keep a five- to seven-day supply of blood to donate to hospitals. That equates to about 600 donations each day, or about 4,000 donations each week.

Right now, blood supplies are running dangerously low with just a two- to three-day blood supply on hand.

“It’s incredibly low, especially for type o-negative and o-positive, which are very commonly used in emergency settings,” said Chelsey Smith, director of public relations at The Community Blood Center.

Smith says donations typically get lower as blood centers and hospitals navigate through the summer months.

“It’s trauma season,” Smith said. “And so, a lot of hospital patients are being treated for an increase in traumas that typically happen during these warmer months when we’re outside and doing activities. And because of that, blood usage is also up as well.”

Smith says every summer presents struggles in blood collection, largely due to travel and school breaks.

“School breaks, summer travel, busy summer schedules often keep people away,” said Smith. “And then additionally, the heat waves that we’ve experienced in our region have kept people at home, they’ve kept people from leaving.”

Kenny Green is a donor who says he has a little extra time on his hands to help make donations during a critical period.

“Well I just, think it’s a good thing to do,” said Green. “People need it and it’s not any trouble to do, you know?”

Green says he hopes his donations will make their way back to him. Especially if a situation arises where he may need blood himself.

“Someday I may need blood,” said Green. “So I don’t mind doing it at all.”

Green says he tries to donate every three to four months.

“If you got time, go ahead,” said Green. “It’s good, it doesn’t hurt and the people here are feel nice. You get free cookies!”

Smith emphasizes that the need for blood does not stop, regardless of what might be going on in your life.

“We’re hoping that despite your busy summer schedule, you can make time for this,” said Smith. “Because while you might be on vacation and schools might be on break, the need for blood does not stop.”

The Community Blood Center is also throwing in an extra incentive to donate.

“We are hosting a sweepstakes for Chiefs tickets, so the first four games,” said Smith. “That includes the first two pre-season home games and the first two regular season home games, tickets are up for grabs.”

Those who donate by the end of July will be entered into the ticket sweepstakes.