(June 26, 2026) – With two more matches - three in total - under the city's belt, health care delivery is continuing without significant impact across the region. Early events drew an estimated 69,000 attendees per match, giving care teams thousands of opportunities to care for an influx of visitors.
Health care updates below:
- Health care utilization: To date, the region has not seen any significant increases in emergency department or urgent care visits.
Note: Community Blood Center reported a 25 percent drop in blood donations over the past week+, leaving them with only a two-day supply of O negative (universal) blood. This is concerning because the region is in trauma season, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when hospital demand for blood products typically increases. Local donors are urged to donate now.
- Public health monitoring: In coordination with local organizations, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services continue to conduct wastewater surveillance to monitor for potentially harmful viruses and bacteria. Current levels remain very low or undetectable, which is encouraging and suggests no emerging public health concerns at this time. Learn more about the KDHE wastewater surveillance program.
- Language access: With visitors arriving from around the world, language support remains a priority. News outlets estimate approximately 70 languages will be spoken by players, spectators and media during the tournament. Area hospitals remain prepared, using in-person and digital translation services to support hundreds of languages, including American Sign Language.
The Kansas Hospital Association will continue to share updates on health care utilization and public health indicators throughout the tournament.
--Larry Van Der Wege