News Release - December 20, 2011

Contact:
Dianna Hemphill
(303) 361.2873
Dianna_Hemphill@bonfils.org

Bonfils Blood Center Asks for Help to Maintain Community Blood Supply
Wrap Yourself Up in the Spirit of Giving

DENVER (Dec. 20, 2011) – This winter, Bonfils Blood Center invites you to wrap yourself up in the spirit of giving. All donors who give blood between now and January 21 will receive a warm fleece blanket.

Donations at this time of year are typically down by 20 percent compared to the rest of the year. While many Coloradoans are busy with holiday preparations, many others in local hospitals are benefiting from the lifesaving donations being made at Bonfils Blood Center community donor centers and mobile drives every day.

“Cancer treatments and emergency situations don’t take a break during the holidays,” says Vice President of Marketing and Communication Operations, Jessica Maitland. “Coloradoans are so generous with their time and willingness to give back to their community, giving our donors a fleece blanket when they donate is our way of saying “thank you” for their continued support.”

Community support is vital to maintaining the state’s blood supply. Currently only 4 percent of eligible Coloradoans donate blood and 80 percent of Colorado’s blood supply comes from Bonfils, one single blood donation can save and enhance the lives of up to three patients.

Donating blood is a safe, easy and free way you can give back to your community this holiday season. With five community donor centers throughout the Denver Metro area and up to ten mobile drives a day throughout the state, Bonfils strives to make donating as convenient as possible. Call Bonfils' Appointment Center at 303.363.2300 or 800.365.0006, opt. 2 or schedule an appointment online to give blood.

For nearly 70 years, Bonfils Blood Center has successfully managed the community blood supply and played an integral role in Colorado’s healthcare system. Bonfils Blood Center supplies blood to nearly 200 healthcare facilities to support patients in our community and beyond. For information about Bonfils Blood Center please call 303.366.2000 or visit www.bonfils.org or look for us on Facebook and Twitter.