Q: How has Superstorm Sandy affected blood donation needs?

A: We did not have much of a request from the East Coast to help with Superstorm Sandy. The Community Blood Center supplies 70 hospitals throughout Kansas City and Missouri. We did send donations to CBC of the Ozarks following the Joplin tornado.

Q: Is there a time of year when blood donation is needed more?

A: Yes. It is very hard for us to collect blood coming up toward Thanksgiving. This time of year, people have got to get ready for family coming, Christmas shopping and holiday planning. A lot of times, people put donating blood on the back burner with the colder weather.

Q: How often can people donate blood?

A: Whole blood every 56 days; platelets every 14 days.

Q: How long after blood is donated can it be used?

A: Shelf life of blood is 42 days, the first five committed to testing. Platelets’ shelf life is only five days, the first two reserved for testing. We always need people to help not only CBC, but coworkers and family who need blood. One day it may be you who needs blood.

Q: What can folks do to organize a blood drive?

A: You can give our recruitment staff a call to help throughout the entire process, 816-753-4040 or visit savealifenow.org. We provide you with all the materials, signage and electronic messaging to make sure you hold a successful blood drive.