July 25, 2020

The City of Lee’s Summit, in partnership with the Community Blood Center, is hosting a blood drive on July 27 and July 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gamber Community Center, 4 SE Independence Ave. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a critical blood shortage due to the cancellation of blood drives during the past several months.

The Community Blood Center says a seven-day inventory of all blood types must be continually replenished to maintain a safe blood supply to meet the needs of hospitals in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Extra safety precautions are being taken at donation sites to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All donors are asked to wear a mask, temperatures will be checked at the door and social distancing protocols will remain in place. A full list of safety protocols can be found at savealifenow.org/coronavirus.

Donors can register at savealifenow.org/group using the group code KCJN. There are certain requirements to donate blood. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 115 pounds and be in good overall health. Donors can be 16 years old with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a good meal prior to donating blood.

All donors will receive either a free Kansas City Royals T-shirt or rally towel. Gifts will be selected online following the blood drive. While walk-in donors are allowed, it is strongly recommended donors sign up in advance. Walk-ins will only be accepted as capacity allows.