November 11, 2023

This week, the Community Blood Center (CBC) announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art donor center in Lee’s Summit at 1551 NE Douglas St, Lees Summit, Missouri 64086. CBC was joined by Mayor Pro Tem of Lee’s Summit Beto Lopez, Jackson County Legislator Megan Marshall, Jackson County Administrator Troy Schule and representatives from Lee’s Summit partner organizations for a ribbon cutting event and celebration of the new space. The event also included blood donations from several of the region’s top blood donors, who came out to give the gift of life during the event.

During the COVID-19 pandemic donor centers became the only location for CBC to collect blood, as many school, corporate and community blood drives were canceled due to safety restrictions. Remote and blended work schedules resulted in fewer blood drives, and there has been a 50% decrease in youth and first-time blood donors. This new donor center will help to combat the steep decrease in donations since the pandemic and improve the region’s blood supply.

“We are grateful to the Lee’s Summit community and our local elected officials for their continued support and for joining us today to celebrate the opening of this new space,” said Patsy Shipley, Vice President of Community Blood Center. “This new donor center will help CBC to continue to fulfill our mission of collecting life-saving blood donations to replenish the region’s blood supply. We encourage the local community to come down, bring a friend and check out the new space by signing up to give the gift of life!”

“Lee’s Summit is a very giving community and I’m very proud that CBC is here. I have no doubt that our residents will respond to this need,” said Beto Lopez, Lee’s Summit Mayor Pro Tem

“This is very exciting for not just the Lee’s Summit community, but Jackson County as well. I encourage everyone to become a routine donor,” said Megan Marshall, Jackson County 3rd District-at-Large Legislator.

“We are truly blessed to be in this community and it’s wonderful that CBC has chosen Lee’s Summit to continue its mission and growth,” said Matt Baird, Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce President.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit savealifenow.org or call 800.688.0900.

To make an appointment near you, donors can visit www.savealifenow.org or by calling 1.877.468.6844.