Community Blood Center Partnership

Is donating blood safe?

Yes. It is safe to donate blood, and we encourage healthy individuals to donate so that blood is available for patients in need. Our blood collection sites are disinfected frequently, and we are continuing to take extra precautions to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19 as per CDC recommendations.

Additionally, as part of the critical healthcare infrastructure of our community, our donor centers and blood drives are exempt from mandates dictating that individuals cannot gather in groups of more than 10 people. Read more information regarding CBC’s response to COVID-19.

I’m on medication. Can I donate? 

Most medications are not cause for deferral. We encourage donors to visit our website at savealifenow.org or call 1-800-688-0900 to speak with a donor center representative who can answer questions regarding medical eligibility.

I had COVID earlier in the year. Can I donate?

Yes. In fact, as cases spike in our area, we are in critical need of Convalescent Plasma, which is plasma taken from recovered COVID-19 patients which is then used to treat current COVID-19 patients. If you or someone you know has recovered from COVID-19, learn how you can directly help patients currently fighting COVID-19.

Myths

I can’t donate because I have a tattoo.

If you received your tattoo from a licensed facility, you can donate.

If I donate, I will pass out. 

Only 2% of donors experience a reaction to blood donation. We encourage you to come to your donation well hydrated, rested and having recently eaten a meal.

I have to fast in order to donate.

We strongly encourage donors to eat a big meal the night before their donation and to have eaten a few hours before their donation as well.

I can’t do anything else after donating.

We recommend no strenuous physical activity for 24 hours after your donation. After that, you can resume normal activity without a problem.

Donating blood suppresses my immune system making me more susceptible to infections like COVID-19 or the flu.

There is no medical evidence to suggest that blood donation negatively impacts your immune system.

Each day, the Community Blood Center provides nearly 200,000 blood products to over 60 area hospitals and relies on close to 600 volunteer donors. Many of us will require a blood transfusion at some point in our lives.

Major Reasons Patients Need Blood

• Cancer
• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Disease of the gastrointestinal tract
• Emergencies such as car accidents and burns

How Much Blood Is Needed

Automobile Accident: 50 units of blood

Heart Surgery: 6 units of blood, 6 units of platelets

Organ Transplant: 40 units of blood, 30 units of platelets, 20 bags of cryoprecipitate, 25 units of fresh frozen plasma

Bone Marrow Transplant: 120 units of platelets, 20 units of blood

Burn: 20 units of plasma

Donating blood is easy and our blood supply relies exclusively on the generosity of volunteer blood donors. There is no substitute for human blood. Most people qualify as a volunteer donor, even if they are taking medications. Review the eligibility criteria below and see if you can be a lifesaver too.

You may donate if you are at least 17 years old (16 years old with written consent from parent or legal guardian), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health.

Donors age 16-18 are also subject to additional height and weight restrictions.

Reasons why some people can’t donate.

Although you probably know that there are good reasons to give blood, if you haven’t donated before, it’s normal to be a little nervous.

Tips to Make Donating A Good Experience

• Be well hydrated - drink plenty of water starting two days before donation
• Eat well-balanced meals the days leading up to your donation
• Be well rested
• Eat a salty snack the night before your donation
• Bring a photo or signature ID or your Donor ID card if you have it

More About the Donation Process

Kansas

• Olathe Center 
  Olathe Entertainment District 
  16465 West 119th Street 
  Olathe, KS 66061 
  1-877-468-6844
• Overland Park Center 
  Times Square Shopping Center 
  10568 Metcalf Ave 
  Overland Park, KS 66212 
  1-877-468-6844
• Topeka Center 
  6220 SW 29th Street 
  Topeka, KS 66614 
  1-877-468-6844

Missouri

• Blue Springs Center 
  1124 SW US Hwy 40 
  Blue Springs, MO 64015 
  1-877-468-6844
• Gladstone Center 
  7265 N. Oak Trafficway 
  Gladstone, MO 64118 
  1-877-468-6844
• Kansas City Center 
  4040 Main Street 
  Kansas City, MO 64111 
  1-877-468-6844
• St. Joseph Center 
  3122 Frederick Ave 
  St Joseph, MO 64506 
  1-877-468-6844