News Release August 02, 2007

For more information contact:
Julie Scott 303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

DENVER (August 2, 2007) - Bonfils Blood Center was informed that Memorial Blood Centers in Minneapolis has been able to fulfill the blood needs of their community following the I-35W bridge collapse last evening. However, Bonfils and our partners at America’s Blood Center’s are poised to support this community in any way possible if called upon.

• Bonfils, like other blood centers nationwide, is experiencing a steep decline in blood donations this summer yet the need for blood has not decreased. More blood donors are needed to support patients in our community. 
• The need for blood is constant. Red blood cells have a shelf life of just 42 days.
• People may choose to honor those touched by the tragedy by hosting an "in honor of" blood drive as a way to pay respect to those that were injured or lost lives. Your blood donation will go to help those in need with in our community during this time of heightened compassion.
• As the community blood center for Colorado, Bonfils first priority is to meet the needs of patients in our community. After those needs are met, we are able provide blood products to other communities when asked.
  
• Because of such a generous community, Bonfils is able to assist other communities nearly every time the blood center is called upon.

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 scheduling a blood donation, please visit www.bonfils.org or call (303) 363-2300.