CBC was joined by elected officials, hospital leaders and blood donation advocates for a press conference emphasizing the critical need for blood donations following severe winter storm

KANSAS CITY, MO – In the wake of a series of winter storms that forced the closure of donor centers and blood drives across the Greater Kansas City area, Community Blood Center (CBC) was joined by local elected officials, hospital leaders, and blood donation advocates for a press conference highlighting the urgent need for blood donations and commemorating National Blood Donor Month. The event was held on Friday January 10th at 10:00am at CBC’s Kansas City Headquarters (4040 Main St, KCMO 64111). 

 January is National Blood Donor Month, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and recognize the lifesaving impact of voluntary blood donors. Proclaimed by President Richard Nixon in January 1970, this annual observance remains vital to raising awareness and strengthening the blood supply during a critical time of year.   

The winter months present unique challenges for blood donations as holiday travel, seasonal illness, and inclement weather all contribute to making blood donations less of a priority. The recent winter storms have dealt a severe blow to the region’s already fragile blood supply, with hundreds of donations lost in just a matter of days, and many more at risk as the community continues to recover. To date, the Kansas City region has sustained a loss of more than 3,000 donations, and CBC is urgently calling on blood donors of all types, especially those with type O- and B- blood.   

“Winter storms have hindered our ability to collect vital blood products. This real-time challenge and National Blood Donor Month are important reminders that the need for blood never takes a break,” said David Graham, Senior Vice President, Community Blood Center. “We are grateful for our regular donors and hope to inspire new donors to join us at this critical time in our lifesaving mission.” 

“Today, we’re proud to present Community Blood Center with this proclamation declaring January as National Blood Donor Month in Kansas City,” said Kansas City Councilmember Crispin Rea. “Blood donors are unsung heroes in our community, saving lives every day. As a city, we must rally around this vital cause, especially in times like these when winter storms threaten to disrupt our local blood supply.”

“As a nurse, I’ve seen firsthand the lifesaving power of blood donations,” said Missouri State Senator Patty Lewis. “Whether it’s a trauma patient or someone undergoing chemotherapy, the need for blood is constant. I encourage everyone to take just a small amount of time to donate—it’s one of the most impactful ways you can make a difference.”

“As a transplant surgeon, I know the importance of having a robust blood supply,” said Dr. Sean Kumer, Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Kansas City Division, The University of Kansas Health System “For our patients, donated blood isn’t just a resource—it’s a lifeline. We cannot overstate how critical it is to ensure blood is available when it’s needed most.”

“Our healthcare system relies on a steady supply of blood to provide care to patients in need,” said Dr. Stephen Reintjes, Sr., President & Chief Executive Officer, North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health. “Winter storms like the ones we’ve seen this week place incredible strain on that supply. I urge our community to come together to ensure this essential resource remains available for all who depend on it.”

“As a sickle cell patient and someone whose life has been saved by blood donations, I can personally attest to how critical it is to have donors who care,” said Kevin Wake, Blood Recipient & President of Uriel E. Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest. “For patients like me, these donations mean the difference between life and death. To everyone who donates—you are heroes, and we are forever grateful.”

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted eligibility restrictions for individuals who lived in Europe during certain periods of time. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit savealifenow.org or call 800.688.0900. To make an appointment to donate blood, donors can visit this link.