Community Blood Center (CBC) joined elected officials, healthcare leaders, blood recipients, and community partners on both sides of the state line this week to recognize National Blood Donor Month and highlight the ongoing need for blood donations across the region.
January is historically one of the most challenging months for the blood supply. Holiday travel, winter weather, and seasonal illness often disrupt donations while patient needs remain constant. Following the recent holiday season, and amid a surge in respiratory illnesses, CBC’s regional blood supply is currently at just a 3-day level, well below the 7-day inventory needed to safely meet hospital demand. Donations of all blood types are urgently needed, especially O-negative and O-positive.
National Blood Donor Month serves as an important reminder that blood donation is a simple, lifesaving act that patients rely on every day of the year. Speakers at both events shared firsthand perspectives from healthcare leaders, elected officials, and blood recipients, and encouraged the community to make blood donation a priority in the new year.
Kansas Press Conference | Topeka, KS
CBC was joined by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, hospital leaders, and community partners for a press conference at the Kansas State Capitol on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Governor Kelly issued a proclamation officially declaring January as National Blood Donor Month in Kansas and encouraged Kansans to roll up their sleeves to support patients statewide.
Notable speakers and attendees included:
- Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
- Carrie Easley, Laboratory Manager, Stormont Vail Health
- Dr. Kirk Sloan, Chief Medical Officer, LMH Health
- Chelsea Tibbetts, Vice President, Blood Operations, Community Blood Center
- Blood recipient Amelia Knopp
The press conference took place during the 14th blood drive held by Governor Kelly at the Kansas State Capitol building during her time in office.
“Blood donation is a pillar of the health care system across Kansas, helping patients of all ages, all day, every day,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As we host the 14th blood drive at the Kansas State Capitol since 2019, we reaffirm our commitment to doing our part to help those in need. I encourage every Kansan who can donate blood to do so. You have the power to change – and save – lives.”
Additionally, Janet Stanek, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, issued the below PSA is support of National Blood Donor Month, encouraging community members to make blood donation a lifesaving habit in 2026:
Missouri Press Conference | Kansas City, MO
The following day, on Friday, January 9, 2026, CBC hosted a press conference in Kansas City alongside Mayor Quinton Lucas, hospital leaders, and first responders to address local blood supply levels and patient needs across the metro. Mayor Lucas issued a proclamation officially declaring January as National Blood Donor Month in Kansas City, encouraging all who are eligible to roll up their sleeves.
Notable speakers and attendees included:
- Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas
- Missouri State Senator Patty Lewis
- Charlie Shields, President & CEO, University Health
- Dr. Mark Steele, Executive Chief Clinical Officer, University Health
- Dr. Ahmed Abdelmoity, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Children’s Mercy
- Chelsea Tibbetts, Vice President, Blood Operations, Community Blood Center
- Blood recipient Angela Fisher
“Blood donation is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways we can directly save lives in our community”, said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “During National Blood Donor Month, I encourage all Kansas Citians who are able to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life. Community Blood Center plays an important role in ensuring hospitals across our region have the supply they need to care for patients in emergencies, surgeries, and ongoing treatments. Blood contribution makes a real difference for our neighbors in need.”
How You Can Help
To help prevent blood shortages this year, CBC encourages donors to become All Seasons Lifesavers by making blood donation a routine part of their lives and donating at least once each season. Additional donor loyalty programs are available based on donation type to recognize those who give consistently throughout the year.
“National Blood Donor Month is a powerful reminder that the need for blood doesn’t take a holiday,” said Chelsea Tibbetts, Vice President, Blood Operations at Community Blood Center. “Each January, donations decline while patient needs remain steady, and that gap can put lives at risk. We’re grateful to our community leaders for encouraging donors to step up now, before supplies drop further.”
Thanks to recent updates to FDA eligibility guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to donate. Whole blood donors can give every 56 days and platelet donors can donate up to twice per month
To check eligibility or schedule an appointment, visit savealifenow.org or call 800.688.0900.