By MATT PIKE
Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, the regional blood supply has fallen to a three day level and Community Blood Center is urging donors to give blood as concerns rise.
Since FIFA World Cup related activity began in Kansas City, Community Blood Center reports that a 30% decline in donor turnout has been seen, creating additional pressure on the blood supply at a time when hospital need remains high. And, as Kansas City welcomes visitors from around the world, summer travel, holiday plans, and changing routines are keeping many donors away, Community Blood Center and local hospitals are concerned blood inventories could face additional pressure in the weeks ahead if the donation levels do not rebound.
With the need, Community Blood Center is reminding donors that giving blood remains quick and convenient, with donation opportunities across the metro. As a thank-you for helping strengthen the local blood supply, donors who give between June 26th and July 7th at a Community Blood Center donor center or mobile blood drive will receive a limited-edition t-shirt.
“It's exciting to see Kansas City on the world stage, but patients still need blood every day,” Vice President of Operations at Community Blood Center Chelsea Tibbetts says in a news release. “We've seen significantly fewer donors come through our doors since World Cup activities began, and that decline is putting added pressure on the blood supply heading into one of the busiest travel holidays of the year."
"While the city is busier than usual, our donor centers and blood drives remain fully accessible, and we want people to know it's still business as usual when it comes to donating blood.”
Blood donors may give every 56 days, and platelet donors may donate up to twice per month. To learn more or find a donor center, you can click HERE.
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