February 17, 2026

Central Middle School Hosts Life-Saving Blood Drive

A man and woman stand in a room beside a blood machine, discussing its operation and functionality.

Family Advocacy Nights at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools are designed to bring families together to help connect with school staff, review student progress, and discuss support strategies.

But on Thursday, February 12, the staff at Central Middle School added another element to Family Advocacy Night. They included a blood drive to help save a life.

The staff transformed part of the school’s cafeteria into a make-shift blood donation center, where donors laid on reclining tables, surrounded by medical supplies and monitoring equipment.

A Red Cross blood drive setup in a school hallway with registration tables and privacy screens.

Central Middle School interim principal Dr. Yolanda Thompson recalled having similar blood drives at her former high school and thought it was a great idea to host one. “I shared it with my FACES specialist, and she thought it was a good idea,” added Thompson.

Central Middle School’s Family and Community Engagement Specialist Elise Taylor organized the blood drive. She felt that it was necessary for the neighborhood and community.

A healthcare worker in a red shirt assists a person seated comfortably while donating blood.

“It’s important because there’s a huge shortage not only here in our area, but also nationwide, so it’s important to do what we can to maybe save a life or help someone,” shared Taylor.

Representatives from the American Red Cross were on-hand to help facilitate the blood drive. Their operation makes it easy to donate.

A woman stands and speaks with a smiling man seated behind a registration table at an event inside a large hall.

According to the agency’s website, Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply. The shortage is especially serious for palates and type O, A negative, and B negative blood.

To be eligible to donate, an individual must be in good health and feeling well, be at least 16 years old, and weigh at least 110-pounds.

Taylor and Dr. Thompson are very pleased that families were willing to give.

“This has been a wonderful experience, and I highly recommend it for any school to do not only for their building, but for the families in the community,” said Taylor.