News Release January 05, 2005

Bonfils Blood Center Recognizes Tsunami Tragedy

For more information contact:
Julie Wedding 303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

DENVER (January 05, 2005) - The following information outlines Bonfils Blood Center's role in aiding the Asian tsunami victims:

• Bonfils Blood Center has not been called upon to send blood products to aid the victims of Asia's tsunami.
• Our partners at America's Blood Centers (ABC) have informed us that the blood product needs for tsunami victims would be met by Europe and Asia, not the United States. However, ABC and Bonfils will help in any way possible if called upon.
• Many citizens of the countries affected by the tragedy have come out en masse to donate blood for the injured.
• As the community blood center for Colorado, Bonfils first priority is to meet the needs of patients in our community. After those needs are met, we are able provide blood products to other communities when called upon.
• Because of such a generous community, Bonfils is able to assist other communities nearly every time the blood center is called upon.
• People may choose to honor those touched by the tragedy by hosting an "in honor of" blood drive as a way to pay respect to those that lost lives, were injured or displaced. Your blood donation will go to help those in need with in our community during this time of heightened compassion.
• Please visit the Web sites of our local news affiliates for more information about aid agencies in need of support for the tsunami tragedy.
• Bonfils Blood Center, on behalf of its more than 630 employees, made a $5,000 contribution to Save the Children USA to aid those affected by the tsunami disaster.

Bonfils Blood Center supplies blood to more than 115 healthcare facilities and needs to collect 4,350 blood donations weekly to meet the needs of the community and to be prepared for any unexpected events. For information about scheduling a blood donation, please visit www.bonfils.org or call (303) 363-2300.