Kansas City blood center cancels drives, changes rules for donors because of COVID-19

The Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City will no longer allow walk-in donors so that it can protect against the coronavirus, officials announced Monday.

The center, which supplies blood products to 65 hospitals and medical facilities in the metro area, also canceled blood drives through the end of April, as a result of the recently issued stay-at-home orders.

Effective immediately, the center will take donations by appointment only at its seven centers. The centers will be operating with expanded hours, however, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Individual blood donations are still allowed under the new mandates.

The walk-in policy was eliminated to ensure “a controlled and safe environment” for staff and donors and help everyone follow social distancing guidelines, said Chelsey Smith, the group’s outreach and communications coordinator.

Donors can schedule appointments online at savealifenow.org/coronavirus or by calling 877-468-6844.

The organization collects about 600 units of blood daily, and 70% of that used to come through mobile drives, Smith said.

In fact, earlier this month the center urged community groups to continue hosting blood drives so the center would not run low. But that was before the Kansas City area’s ever-tightening restrictions on the size of gatherings.

The restrictions have depleted the center’s reserves somewhat, and the hope is that the expanded hours will start to make up the deficit.

“We like to maintain a seven-day supply at all times. Unfortunately we are just a little under that,” she said.

It may be tough to get a same-day appointment with the cancellation of mobile drives, she said.

“We are limited to what we are able to collect, but please don’t be discouraged if we can’t take you that day,” Smith said. “We are going to need donations today, tomorrow and for the next 30 days.”

All blood types are needed, but hospitals always want donors with O-negative blood, which can be used universally for transfusions.

Persons with a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms cannot donate. Same for those experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 — cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Anyone who has had close contact with someone either diagnosed with the virus or who suspects that they have it, must also stay away from the donor centers.

The organization does not test for COVID-19.