The Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City said a blood emergency in June is continuing into July.
Residents are encouraged to donate blood to help replenish the blood supply for more than 60 hospitals throughout the area, according to the CBC.
Blood donations are significantly lower on the Fourth of July holiday week, with types O-, B- and A- at critical levels, according to the CBC.
“While blood donations tend to slow down in the summer months, the need does not,” said David Graham, executive director of CBC. “Right now, supplies are low and we need all those who are able to donate and help ensure that every patient and hospital has access to life-saving blood when they need it.”
People with all blood types are encouraged to donate, especially donors with O negative and B negative blood types. O negative blood donors are considered “universal,” and their blood type is needed most readily in trauma situations and emergency rooms across the country. B negative is a particularly rare blood type.
Donors may give blood at the CBC donor center at 4040 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri, or at a mobile blood drive. Other donor center locations are listed at www.esavealifenow.org.
Two community blood drives are planned on Wednesday, July 11.
Kansas City Kansas Community College, Room 2325, Jewell Center, 7250 State Ave., plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 11. To schedule a donation, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.
The Bonner Springs YMCA will hold a Community Blood Center blood drive from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. July 11 at the Bonner Springs YMCA Classroom A, 2251 S. 138th, Bonner Springs, Kansas. To schedule a donation, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.
For more information on where to donate or how to set up your own drive, visit www.savealifenow.org or call 1-877-468-6844.