Blood Donors Needed In Kansas City Area: Red Cross Drives Coming Up Soon

KANSAS CITY, MO — The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood soon due to a severe supply shortage.

Hospitals are experiencing a high number of emergency room visits for traumatic injuries. There are also more overdoses, which sometimes require organ transplants. Blood demand climbed 10 percent from 2019 levels at trauma centers, according to the Red Cross.

“When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director with the Red Cross. “As many people begin to enjoy travel and time with loved ones again this summer, patients are relying on the generosity of donors to help ensure they have access to the treatment they need."

People who make a donation through the end of June will receive a $5 Amazon gift card courtesy of Amazon.

Here are the Red Cross blood drives coming up in the Kansas City area in the next few weeks. You can search for additional Red Cross blood drives from a wider area here.

• 6/18/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Temple of Faith MBC, 3000 East Gregory Street (Kansas City)
• 6/21/2021: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Research Medical Center, 2316 E. Meyer Blvd (Kansas City)
• 7/1/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Community Center, 6901 North Holmes Street (Gladstone)
• 7/1/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Zaxby's - Liberty, 10430 NE Cookingham Dr. (Kansas City)
• 7/9/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., North Kansas City YMCA, 1999 Iron Street (Kansas City)
• 6/13/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Gregg Klice Community Center, 1600 E 17th Terr (Kansas City)
• 7/2/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Research Medical Center, 2316 E. Meyer Blvd (Kansas City)
• 7/8/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., HJ’s Youth and Community Center, 6425 Wornall Rd (Kansas City)
• 7/9/2021: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Boilermakers Local 83, 5910 E. 86th St (Kansas City)
• 7/9/2021: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Swope Parkway Church of Christ, 5620 Swope Parkway (Kansas City)
• 7/9/2021: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Red Bridge Family YMCA, 11300 Holmes Rd. (Kansas City)
• 7/13/2021: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City, 6601 Winchester (Kansas City)
• 7/13/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kansas City Beacon Hill, 2321 Troost Ave (Kansas City)
• 7/16/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive (Kansas City)
• 7/13/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Raytown Chapel United Methodist Church, 5413 Blue Ridge Cutoff (Raytown)
• 7/9/2021: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Genesis Health Clubs, 8628 N Boardwalk Ave (Kansas City)
• 6/25/2021: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City, 6601 Winchester (Kansas City)
• 6/25/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hy Vee 64th Street, 5330 NW 64th Street (Kansas City)
• 6/26/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Gail’s Powersports Hog Room, 5900 E. 150 Highway (Grandview)
• 6/30/2021: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Grandview Community Center, 13500 Byars Road (Grandview)
• 6/30/2021: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Kansas City Public Library: Waldo Branch, 201 E 75th Street (Kansas City)

Editor's note: This list was automatically generated using data compiled by the American Red Cross. The local blood drives included in the list are limited to those at the time the Red Cross data was pulled. Please visit RedCrossBlood.org for the most current listing of drives. Please report any errors or other feedback to content@patch.com. Know of another blood drive coming up in your area? You can add it to the Patch calendar using this form.

People who have received a coronavirus vaccine can donate blood so long as they are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer's name, according to the American Red Cross. There is no waiting period after getting a vaccine dose.

All blood types are needed, especially type O, to refuel the country’s blood stockpile.

In most states, donors need to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health; some states allow 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent. Donors 18 years old and younger need to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. Appointments can be made via the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.