Lee’s Summit Blood Drive to Address Critical Shortage
In an effort to help address a critical blood shortage, the City of Lee’s Summit is partnering with the Community Blood Center to host a blood drive on Jan. 20 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Gamber Community Center, 4 SE Independence Ave.
Donors will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies and results will be mailed within two weeks of the donation. If there is a positive result, the Community Blood Center says the plasma component of the donation may be processed into convalescent plasma to treat patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
The Community Blood Center says it needs more than 4,000 donations every week to meet the needs of hospitals in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, venues that typically host blood drives were forced to cancel resulting in a critical shortage. The Community Blood Center serves nearly 60 hospitals in Missouri and Kansas, including Children’s Mercy Hospital, Saint Luke’s Health System, University of Kansas Hospital and Truman Medical Centers.
Extra safety precautions are being taken at donation sites to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All donors are asked to wear a mask and temperatures will be checked at the door. A full list of safety protocols can be found at savealifenow.org/coronavirus.
Donors can register at savealifenow.org/group using the group code KCJN. There are certain requirements to donate blood. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 115 pounds and be in good overall health. Donors can be 16 years old with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a good meal prior to donating blood. Appointments are strongly recommended. Walk-ins will only be accepted as capacity allows.