News Release June 14, 2006

Bonfils Blood Center Recognizes World Blood Donor Day; Thanks Blood Donors

For more information contact:
Julie Scott 303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

DENVER (June 14, 2006) - World Blood Donor Day, celebrated every June 14, is a day dedicated to the millions of generous blood donors worldwide. Thirty-four countries around the world take pause to celebrate and thank loyal blood donors who selflessly donate their blood to help strangers in need. By voluntarily donating blood, these gracious donors help to guarantee a safe and adequate blood supply.

Bonfils Blood Center would like to thank each and every one of our more than 100,000 loyal and dedicated blood donors. Our donors altruistically give blood without any reward except the knowledge that their unit of blood will help to save lives. Thanks to these devoted individuals, Bonfils Blood Center has not had a blood shortage in more than five years. These same committed donors have also ensured that Bonfils has been able to send blood to other parts of the nation and to the military when called upon.

Donating blood is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to volunteer. From start to finish it takes less than one hour to donate a unit of blood with each blood donation having the potential to save or enhance the lives of up to three patients.

This time of year is especially important for our donors to visit one of our nine community donor centers or stop in at one of our multiple mobile drives throughout the state each day. During the summer months, donations can drop up to 20 percent due to busy schedules, summer vacations and other activities. However, during these months the need for blood product often increases because of increased accidents and scheduled medical procedures.

As a special thank you to donors who take time out of their busy summer schedules, anyone who donates blood between now and July 15 will receive a Bonfils Fuel for Life t-shirt. Donors who give blood from July 16 to Sept. 9 will receive a Bonfils car sticker and license plate holder. As an extra special thanks to our repeat donors, people donate twice between now and Sept. 9 will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a five-day, four-night trip for two adults to RIU Cancun in Mexico, generously provided by Apple Vacations.

So, whether you’re a 50-gallon platelet donor or donated your first unit of blood today, your generous contribution will be one of 80 million that will be collected this year worldwide. We would like to thank you for your selfless contribution to your community and encourage you to spread the word about being a blood donor.

If you would like to schedule a donation appointment today, call 303.363.2300 or 800.365.0006, opt. 2 or visit us 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.