News Release June 22, 2005

Blood Donations Needed in Preparation for July 4th Weekend
Colorado Called on to Avert National Shortage

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

DENVER (June 22, 2005) - Although Bonfils Blood Center is not experiencing a critical blood shortage, much of the rest of the nation is. Colorado is being asked by other communities throughout the country to help with additional units of blood. The shortage is so severe in some areas that blood centers say they may not be able to meet patient needs.

While Colorado’s blood supply is not at a critically low level, Bonfils, which provides more than 80 percent of the state’s blood supply, reports that it sees as much as a 20 percent decline in donations during the summer. As the July 4th holiday weekend approaches, Bonfils traditionally experiences a precipitous drop in donations as many donors go on vacation so the need for blood donations is particularly evident.

Bonfils Blood Center always ensures that the needs of Colorado are met first, and then shares blood, if possible, with other communities. Bonfils is presently able to meet the needs of Colorado, but has only a limited capacity to help other communities unless additional donors come forward. “The Colorado community, due to their great generosity, has been in a position to provide support to other states in need many times in the past,” says Jessica Maitland, senior vice president of community relations. Bonfils is encouraging Colorado donors to help with this national crisis by donating blood.

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 or (800) 365.0006 option 2.