Downtown library hosts Chiefs week blood drive
By Chris Fortune
A local blood bank teamed up with the Downtown branch of the St. Joseph Public Library to encourage donations amid an ongoing shortage.
The Community Blood Center offered a Chiefs shirt and a chance to win tickets to a game to adults who donated blood on Thursday at the Downtown Library at 927 Felix St.
“We’re all about supporting the community in a variety of ways, and the library is one of those hubs that people come to for resources,” Downtown Library Manager Jen Wildhagen said. “We thought it was just a really great partnership.”
Wildhagen said she is fortunate enough to never be in a situation where she needed blood, but she made sure to stop in and donate blood to help those in need.
“It’s a simple thing that I can do that could potentially have a huge impact,” she said. “I know that there’s a shortage ongoing. They always need blood supply.”
The American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage in August. The blood emergency may be over, but Community Blood Center Account Manager Kari Beever said there will always be a need for donors.
“We are still at critical levels,” she said. “We are not in a blood emergency, but the hospital demands never change.”
The need for blood donors is what influenced a first-time donor to answer the call. A free Kansas City Chiefs shirt and the opportunity to win Chiefs tickets sweetened the deal.
“I felt like I heard that they’re short on blood, and this is a good opportunity,” Elizabeth Murray said. “And the chance to win Chiefs tickets was pretty enticing.”
To find a Community blood center blood drive or learn how to host one, visit savealifenow.org.
