On July 28, Community Blood Center (CBC) welcomed U.S. Representative Sharice Davids to its Olathe Donor Center for an in-depth look at the organization’s blood collection operations.
During the visit, Representative Davids met with CBC leadership and donor center staff to learn more about the process of blood donation, from donor recruitment and collection, to processing and distribution to local hospitals. The discussion focused on the critical role donor centers play in maintaining a safe and sustainable blood supply for patients across the Missouri and Kansas region.
CBC leaders also shared challenges facing community blood centers, including maintaining adequate inventory levels, recruiting new donors, and responding to the increase in hospital demand. 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 percent, making it increasingly difficult to maintain a stable blood supply in the region.
The visit comes at a particularly critical time. Community Blood Center recently declared a blood emergency due to regional inventory falling to its lowest since COVID-19, while blood centers across the country continue to respond to a national blood crisis. Summer months are especially challenging for blood collection as donor turnout often declines due to extreme heat and summer holidays, while demand for blood products remains steady or increases.
CBC appreciates Representative Davids’ interest in learning more about blood donation, blood center operations, and the ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and reliable blood supply for the communities it serves.
