Blood Drive - Community Blood Center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital

Community Blood Center (CBC) declared the first blood emergency of 2023. The blood emergency is due to several evolving factors including cold and flu season, a high number of lapsed blood donors and a decrease in first-time donors. In January, CBC received 2,000 fewer blood donations than the year prior and blood donations are below hospital and patient needs. 
 
The number of blood donations still are not back to pre-pandemic levels. Compounding the problem is a continued lag in first-time and youth donors, which remain about half of pre-pandemic levels.  And while remote workers are returning to in-person work, office and community blood drives and visits to CBC Donor Centers are significantly down.  People working from home had an easier time donating in our donor centers, but we’re seeing a dramatic decrease at our centers.     
 
“Each winter, we struggle to get folks to donate blood and this year is no exception. We need more people to make blood donations, host blood drives and spread the word about the need for donations,” said Patsy Shipley, Vice President at Community Blood Center. “Additionally, the need for new donors is greater than ever. If you’ve never donated before, we invite you to experience the rewarding act of blood donation.  You’ll make a difference in the life of a patient as well as those who love them.  It’s so rewarding, you will want to come back and bring a friend.”
 
In addition to whole blood donors, platelet donors are urgently needed. With a shelf life of just 7 days, CBC relies on dedicated platelet donors to help patients undergoing chemotherapy, those with bleeding disorders, new mothers, and more. 
 
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.

Click this link to sign up today:  https://donate.savealifenow.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/78890
or contact Kim Clark at 816-315-1389 or kclark@cbckc.org for more information or to make an appointment.

Thank you for your support and helping to save lives!