News Release December 03, 2007

Contact:
Julie Scott

303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

Ski. Celebrate. Live. Give.

Community encouraged to take time out to save lives duringNational Blood Donor Month this January

DENVER (Dec. 3, 2007) – Amidst realizing New Year’s resolutions, weekend mountain getaways and spending time with family and friends … take a little time to make a big difference by giving blood this winter. A single blood donation takes less than an hour and can help save and enhance the lives of up to three patients.

Maintaining the community blood supply proves difficult in the winter months, with blood donations declining up to 20 percent due to travel, poor weather conditions and cold and flu season. Heavy snowfall and poor road conditions between Dec. 20 and Dec. 29, 2006 resulted in cancellations of numerous blood drives and donor center closures accounting for a loss of nearly 1,500 blood donations. In order to prepare for unforeseen events such as this, Bonfils routinely recruits donors to help maintain an adequate blood supply at all times.

To thank you for your life-saving gift all donors who give blood between Sunday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008 will receive a cozy Bonfils long-sleeved t-shirt.

Help us celebrate National Blood Donor Month in January by becoming one of the 4,000 blood donors needed each week to meet the needs of our community. With nine community donor centers and as many as 13 mobile blood drives each day there is sure to be a donation location convenient to wherever your winter activities might take you.

Call 303.363.2300, 800.365.0006, opt. 2 or visit www.bonfils.org to schedule an appointment to give blood and save lives this winter. 

9News is a generous supporter of Bonfils Blood Center and National Blood Donor Month.

Bonfils Blood Center supplies blood to more than 200 healthcare facilities and needs to collect more than 4,000 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) 366-2000.