News Release December 08, 2005

January is National Blood Donor Month
Bonfils encourages Coloradoans to resolve to give blood in the new year

For more information contact:
Julie Scott 303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

DENVER (December 08, 2005) - Every two seconds someone in the United States receives a transfusion of donated blood, yet currently only four percent of Colorado?s eligible population generously gives blood. In less than an hour a single blood donation can help up to three patients. So, why not start a new habit in 2006 and become a regular blood donor and help patients in need?

Winter remains one of the most challenging seasons for Colorado's community blood supply. Blood donations decrease up to 20 percent in the winter months due to travel, poor weather conditions and colds and flu, however, the need remains constant. This January, also known as National Blood Donor Month, Bonfils Blood Center encourages the community to help reverse this trend by scheduling an appointment to give blood.

Donors who give blood through Saturday, Jan. 28 will receive a Bonfils Blood Center fleece hat. Not only will you warm your heart because you helped kids with cancer feel better or saved the life of someone in a car accident, but you will warm your head too.

Bonfils hopes donors will make a resolution to continue donating throughout the upcoming year. Donating blood is one of the easiest ways to give back to your community. It could be you that saves a life in 2006. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (303) 363-2300.

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 Bonfils Blood Center, please visit www.bonfils.org or call (303) 366-2000.