News Release September 26, 2006

Bonfils’ Pueblo Community Donor Center Changes Hours of Operation; Increases Frequency of Mobile Blood Drives

For more information contact:
Julie Scott 303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

DENVER (September 26, 2006) - The Bonfils Blood Center Pueblo Community Donor Center will change its hours of operation effective Oct. 2, 2006. The donor center’s new hours will be:

• Tuesdays – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursdays – 11a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturdays – 8 a.m. to noon

A recent evaluation of Bonfils’ operations in Pueblo revealed that not only is the number of donors in the area increasing, but more and more donors are choosing to give blood at mobile blood drives. Currently, Bonfils host more than 200 mobile blood drives annually with businesses, civic groups and faith-based organizations in Pueblo County. Therefore the blood center is expanding its mobile blood drive program while keeping our donor center open for those who prefer to donate at the center.

Bonfils plans to increase the number of drives and capacity of current drives to allow more flexibility in terms of hours and locations. Additionally Saturday hours have been added to the donor center’s new schedule in hopes of providing greater convenience Bonfils’ blood donors who prefer to donate at a fixed site location.

No matter whether you choose to donate at a mobile blood drive or at the Pueblo Community Donor Center, Bonfils encourages community members to schedule a donation appointment as walk-in availability may be limited.

Bonfils Blood Center provides blood and blood products to more than 200 healthcare facilities and over 80 percent of Coloradoans in need of transfusions. Bonfils Blood Center needs to collect 4,350 blood donations weekly to meet the needs of the community and to be prepared for any unexpected events. For more information about scheduling a blood donation, please visit www.bonfils.org or call 800.750.4482 ext. 1.