News Release May 01, 2006

Give Blood: Fuel for Life
Bonfils encourages community to make a life-saving pit stop this summer

For more information contact:
Julie Scott 303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

DENVER (May 01, 2006) - With summer fast approaching and vacation plans in full swing, many people are planning to hop in the car for trips to the water park, a ballgame or a weekend getaway. But before hitting the road, Bonfils wants to remind you that blood is fuel for life and by making pit stops to give blood this summer, you can make a difference in the lives of patients throughout Colorado and beyond.

Busy summer schedules can cause blood donations to diminish as much as 20 percent in June, July and August yet the need for blood products often increases during this time due to increased accidents, scheduled surgeries and medical treatments. With nine Front Range community donor centers and numerous blood drives scheduled throughout the state each day, giving blood is an easy and convenient way to spend part of your summer vacation.

“Summer can be one of the most difficult seasons for our community blood supply. Donations decline because donors are busy with summer activities and vacations, but the need for blood can increase,” said Jessica Maitland, senior vice president of Bonfils Blood Center. “We use this time to encourage our community to make a life-saving difference in someone’s life. Just one blood donation can save or enhance the lives of up to three patients.”

As a thank you for spending part of your summer with us, all blood donors who give between May 21 and July 15 will receive a Bonfils Fuel for Life t-shirt and between July 16 and Sept. 9 will receive a Bonfils license plate holder and car sticker. Donors who make two pit stops at Bonfils between May 21 and Sept. 9, will not only receive both gifts, but will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a five-day, four-night trip to RIU Cancun in Mexico for two adults, generously provided by Apple Vacations.

Keep blood supply levels on full this summer. Schedule a donation appointment today by calling 303.363.2300 or 800.365.0006, opt. 2 or online at www.bonfils.org.

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 200 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 303.341.4000 or 800.365.0006.