Most of us realize the Community Blood Center (CBC) exists. But sometimes you don’t think about needing the services of the CBC until you actually do. Admittedly, that’s how Stephanie Walters felt once upon a time, but not anymore.
Stephanie has been a dedicated employee of the City of Lee’s Summit’s Public Works Department for more than 25 years, where she serves as an administrative assistant. Just as important as her role within public works so is her role as the coordinator of the City organization’s blood drive held five times annually.
“I have a very personal reason for why I’m involved with blood donation” Walters said. “When my daughter, Audrey, was three days old, she had her first open heart surgery. After that initial surgery, she had additional heart procedures at ages nine months and 12 years old. During each procedure, Audrey needed a blood transfusion. My husband and I were not able to donate blood to our daughter because neither of us have her blood type. So, you can imagine how invaluable the CBC was to our family.”
Today, Audrey is a spunky, healthy, working 19-year-old.
The CBC is the primary provider of blood for more than 70 hospitals and medical centers in the Kansas City area. “Because I know what the CBC has done for my family and for numerous others throughout the metropolitan area, I have made it a personal goal to organize the blood drives at the City organization for more than 15 years. I also donate because I know it’s for a good cause and I could save someone’s life,” Stephanie said.
On Monday, March 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the City will host the CARING … it’s in our blood Blood Drive at Lee’s Summit City Hall, 220 SE Green St. Sign-up for an appointment today at esavealifenow.org and enter the code: cityleessummit. While walk-ups are permitted on the day of the blood drive, it is preferred and highly recommended that you sign-up in advance on the website. Doing so will prevent waiting long periods of time to donate blood.
Who’s eligible to donate blood?
The requirements to donate blood are few. You must be in good health, weigh a minimum of 115 pounds and be at least 16 years of age. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a good meal prior to your blood donation, which will take less than an hour. The Community Blood Center (CBC) has a check-list of the requirements on their website to verify your eligibility to donate blood.
While walk-ups are permitted on the day of the blood drive, it is preferred and highly recommended that you sign-up in advance on the website. Doing so will prevent waiting long periods of time to donate blood.
The blood drive will be held rain or shine inside City Hall on the second floor.
For more information, contact the City’s Blood Drive organizer Stephanie Walters at (816) 969-1870.
