News Release March 29, 2006

Westminster Community Donor Center Launches New Donation Program April 2
Bonfils seeks platelet and plasma donors for new program

For more information contact:
Julie Scott 303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

WESTMINSTER (March 29, 2006) - Beginning Sunday, April 2 residents of Westminster and surrounding areas will be offered another opportunity to save lives. Since Bonfils’ Westminster Community Donor Center opened in 2002, blood donors have only been able to donate whole blood. Now, donors can choose to give platelets, plasma and red blood cells through an automated donation. Automated donations, also known as Trima donations, are essential to allowing Bonfils to more precisely tailor the community blood supply to meet the needs of Colorado patients.

Bonfils is able to divide whole blood donations into red blood cells and plasma. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and are most needed after significant blood loss from trauma or surgery or for patients experiencing anemia. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood and is used to treat patients with severe burns and clotting disorders. However, by giving through a Trima donation, blood donors can give all three blood components – red blood cells, plasma and platelets in one donation. Platelets, which have a shelf life of just five days, are critical in blood clotting and are needed to support patients requiring cancer therapy, open heart surgery and organ transplants.

While whole blood donors can give blood only six times a year, Trima donors can give up to 24 times per year. Additionally, donors should plan for a two-hour time investment when giving an automated donation. However, Bonfils has taken steps to ensure Trima donors are still “plugged in” and comfortable while they donate. In addition to offering blankets to our donors, Bonfils introduces the iBed which allows donors to surf the Internet, check email, watch live television, listen to music or watch their favorite DVD from the Bonfils’ DVD library while saving lives.

To find out if a Trima donation is right for you and the community blood supply or to schedule a blood donation appointment, please call the Bonfils’ Appointment Center at 303.363.2300.

For more than 60 years, Bonfils Blood Center has supported the community blood supply and has played an instrumental role in the lives of patients in need throughout Colorado and beyond. 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.