Kansas City Royals and Community Blood Center Celebrate 'Royals Week' During Critical Blood Emergency

Special week planned to help alleviate blood shortage

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Jul 02, 2017, 07:00 ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Kansas City Royals and Community Blood Center (CBC) are teaming up for their annual Royals Week Blood Drive, Monday, July 3 through Tuesday, July 11. All donors who present at one of CBC's six donor centers during this period will receive a pair of vouchers redeemable for tickets to a Royals home game at Kauffman Stadium (while supplies last). Two big events are planned: a visit by team mascot, Sluggerrr, and a tailgate party cookout with appearances by the Moose Mobile and Kaycee the "W" guy.

On Monday, July 3, Sluggerrr will greet donors at the 4040 Main Street, Kansas City, MO location from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. On Wednesday, July 5, there will be a Tailgate Party cookout at the 4040 Main Street Kansas City, MO location from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. At the party, the Moose Mobile and Kaycee the "W" guy will cheer on donors from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This year's Royals blood drive comes at an especially critical time. Community Blood Center recently declared a blood emergency and is asking the public to donate to help replenish the community's blood supply.

"CBC has officially declared a blood emergency because supplies have dipped below the required minimums, even for the seasonably low summer months," said David Graham, Executive Director of CBC. "The Royals are a great partner, and the Royals Blood Drive has always been a big success with fans and a great way to remind people of the critical need to donate."

For more than 20 years the Royals and CBC have partnered for this weeklong blood drive. The annual drive began as a way to boost the community's blood supply during the critical summer months. The Community Blood Center typically experiences a decrease in donations, especially over the Fourth of July holiday. Last year's drive saw more than 3,800 donors support, and CBC collected more than 3,100 units of blood, nearly 800 platelet products and more than 200 plasma donations.

"Life-saving blood donations are always an essential need for the community, especially in the summer months," said David Graham, Executive Director for Community Blood Center. "We value the Royals continued partnership with CBC, and always look forward to Royals Week - a time when everyone is given a chance to step up to the plate and donate blood to help their neighbors."

Donors may visit a convenient blood drive or any of the following CBC donor centers:

Kansas City, MO - 4040 Main Street
Overland Park, KS - 10568 Metcalf Ave., Time Square Shopping Center
Gladstone, MO - 7265 N. Oak Trafficway
Blue Springs, MO - 1124 W 40 Highway
Topeka, KS - 6220 SW 29th Street
St. Joseph, MO - 3122 Frederick Avenue

To donate blood or for information on Royals Week
Call Toll Free: 1-877-468-6844 or visit us online at: www.savealifenow.org

More About Blood Donations
The entire donation process takes less than an hour and a single donation can be used to save multiple lives. Donors with O-negative blood type, or "universal donors," are especially encouraged to donate, as their blood can be used in emergencies.

If you cannot donate but still wish to participate in bringing crucial blood products to patients in need, please ask someone to donate for you, or consider volunteering at a local blood drive.

In order to donate you must be at least 16 years of age (parental consent required for 16 year olds), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in generally good health. In just 60 minutes, you can donate one pint of blood and Save a Life. Right Here, Right Now in your own community.

About Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City (CBC)
Community Blood Center serves hospitals in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area, as well as eastern Kansas and western Missouri. CBC provides nearly 200,000 blood products per year to nearly 60 area hospitals – and relies volunteer donors each day to meet the need for life-saving gifts of blood. CBC operates 365/24/7 to deliver safe, high-quality products to meet transfusion needs for routine care and emergencies.
Website: www.savealifenow.org

Media Contact:
Heidi Tracer
816.315.1389
[email protected]

SOURCE Community Blood Center