COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER DECLARES BLOOD EMERGENCY AS REGIONAL BLOOD SUPPLY REACHES LOWEST LEVEL SINCE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Greater Kansas City Metro joins a growing national blood shortage as summer donation challenges and long-term donor declines drive inventory to critical levels
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Community Blood Center (CBC) has declared a blood emergency as the regional blood supply falls to a 1-2-day inventory, the lowest level seen since the COVID-19 pandemic and far below the seven-day supply needed to meet hospital demand. CBC is urging all eligible donors to make an appointment immediately to help ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients across Kansas and Missouri.
The region’s blood emergency comes as blood centers across the country report critically low inventories amid a broader national blood shortage. America’s Blood Centers issued a national statement warning that blood supplies have fallen to dangerously low levels in many regions, increasing concern about the nation’s ability to meet routine and emergency patient needs.
Locally, several weeks of reduced blood donations accelerated the decline. Summer vacations, prolonged extreme heat, and disruptions to donor routines – including activity surrounding the FIFA World Cup – contributed to fewer donations during one of the most challenging collection periods of the year.
Those recent disruptions compounded a longer-term trend. Over the past six years, more than 20,000 people across the Kansas City metro have stopped donating blood on a routine basis, reducing the region’s active donor base by more than 20% and making it increasingly difficult to maintain a stable blood supply in the region.
“Inventories this low leave very little room for unexpected emergencies,” said Chelsea Tibbetts, Vice President of Operations at Community Blood Center. “This isn’t just a Kansas City issue; blood centers across the country are experiencing the same challenges. Every blood donation made today helps ensure hospitals have the blood they need for trauma patients, surgeries, cancer treatments and countless other lifesaving transfusions.”
Community Blood Center continues to expand donor access through more appointments, improved donor experiences, additional staff, and partnerships with businesses, schools, and community organizations that bring blood drives directly into local neighborhoods. Still, because blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life, a safe blood supply depends on volunteer donors giving regularly.
“Blood donation is essential for a strong health care system in Kansas and beyond, and the summer months are a critical time with increased need due to a rise in serious injuries,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “Donating blood is quick and one of the easiest ways to give back to your community. I encourage all who are able to give the lifesaving gift of blood donation.”
“Blood donations play a critical role in the care we provide children every day, from cancer treatments to emergency care and complex surgeries,” said Doug Rivard, DO, Physician-in-Chief, Children’s Mercy. “We are grateful to everyone who gives blood and helps ensure that lifesaving resources are available for children when they need them most.”
“The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is proud to partner with Community Blood Center in their efforts to collect and provide blood donations across Kansas and Missouri,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “Blood donation is essential to public health, and it relies entirely on the generosity of donors. With hospitals requiring larger volumes of blood during these busy summer and travel months, I encourage everyone to consider making a blood or platelet donation and inviting a friend or family member to do the same.”
“Just as teams rely on every player contributing, our healthcare system depends on the generosity of donors in our community to maintain a consistent blood supply,” said Stephen Reintjes Sr., MD, president and CEO of NKC Health. “There is no substitute for blood. Every donor plays an essential role in ensuring patients receive the lifesaving care they need.”
CBC is asking all eligible donors, especially those with Type O blood, to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Whole blood donors may give every 56 days, and platelet donors up to twice each month. Recent FDA eligibility updates also mean more people than ever may now qualify to donate.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit savealifenow.org or call 877.468.6844.
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About Community Blood Center
Founded in 1958, Community Blood Center (CBC) has served Kansas and Missouri for more than 65 years, delivering nearly 200,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 70+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. CBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biomedical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment, and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. CBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit savealifenow.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.