News Release April 11, 2005

Spring Snow Storm Impacts Community Blood Supply
Individuals encouraged to make donation appointment

For more information contact:
Paige Van Riper 303.363.2387
Bonfils Blood Center

DENVER (April 11, 2005) - Bonfils Blood Center was forced to cancel ten community blood drives and to delay the opening of its community donor centers across the Front Range today as a result of poor weather and road conditions from the spring blizzard. Colorado's blood supply anticipates a loss of approximately 425 units of blood due to the cancellations.

As road conditions improve, potential blood donors are encouraged over the next week to help restock the community blood supply by giving blood at one of Bonfils' nine community donor centers. Call the Bonfils Blood Center appointment center at 303.363.2300 to schedule a donation appointment. Or, visit www.bonfils.org to find the hours and location of a donor center near you.

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.