Governor Kelly presented CBC with a proclamation to encourage blood donations during the winter months following a sustained loss of more than 3,000 donations

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly presents the Community Blood Center with a proclamation to raise awareness about the urgent need for blood donations, particularly during the challenging winter months.

TOPEKA, KS – On Friday, January 24th Community Blood Center (CBC) teamed up with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to host a blood drive from 10:00am to 4:00pm in the Rotunda of the State Capitol Building. The blood drive came at a critical time as devastating winter storms disrupted blood collections across the region, leaving the local blood supply in jeopardy.

The event kicked off with a press conference where Governor Kelly presented CBC with a proclamation to raise awareness about the urgent need for blood donations, particularly during the challenging winter months.

“Winter storms earlier this month forced us to temporarily close donor centers and cancel blood drives, significantly impacting our ability to meet the region’s demand for blood,” said Jennifer Kaluza, Executive Director at Community Blood Center. “We’re incredibly grateful to Governor Laura Kelly for stepping up during National Blood Donor Month to host this drive. Her leadership serves as an inspiring call to action for lawmakers, government employees, and all Kansans to donate blood and help save lives.”

“We know that donating blood saves lives,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s of the utmost importance that our hospitals and communities have an ample blood supply. I strongly urge Kansans, who can, to donate blood.”

“Blood donation is essential to saving lives. Each donation can help multiple patients – whether in emergency situations, ongoing treatments for cancer and chronic conditions, or surgeries,” said Carrie Easley, Laboratory Manager, Quality and Transfusion Safety at Stormont Vail Health. “Stormont Vail and other hospitals rely on the generosity of donors to provide support for those battling life-threatening conditions. We encourage everyone eligible to consider donating blood to ensure that life-saving blood is available when it’s needed most.”

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. The 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.  

January is National Blood Donor Month, which aims to recognize the importance of blood donation and 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.  

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.

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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 more than 150,000 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

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly donating blood at the Community Blood Center blood drive held in the Rotunda of the State Capitol Building.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly chatting with blood donors and Community Blood Center staff.
Governor Kelly signing the proclamation to raise awareness about the urgent need for blood donations.
Governor Kelly speaking about the urgent need for blood. She strongly urged Kansans, who can, to donate blood.