Join the COVID-19 Fight Donate Blood

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a chronic blood shortage nationwide. In our community, there is a gap of 3,000 donations per month, caused by the cancellation of local blood drives, which accounted for 70% of the area's blood donations before the pandemic.

The blood shortage is impacting Kansas City hospitals, including North Kansas City Hospital. Our current monthly blood product use is 50% higher 
than this time last year. Typically, we have a seven-day supply of blood on-hand. Because of the pandemic, we only have a four-day supply.

"As a physician, I've seen firsthand how blood transfusions save lives," said Stephen L. Reintjes Sr., MD, president and CEO of North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health. "It's important for everyone to ask their friends and family to donate blood to help replenish our community's supply so we can continue to care for patients who need transfusions.

Please consider donating blood at one of seven Kansas City Community Blood Centers. All blood types are needed.

Learn more and make an appointment to donate.

Top Blood Donation Questions

Is donating blood safe? 
Yes. The blood collection sites are disinfected frequently, and the centers follow CDC recommendations.

Can I donate if I had COVID-19 earlier this year? 
Yes. The blood centers need convalescent plasma, which is plasma taken from recovered COVID-19 patients. It's used to treat people who currently have the virus.

Will donating blood put me at risk for getting the flu or COVID-19? 
No. There is no medical evidence to suggest donating blood negatively impacts your immune system.