News Release January 29, 2008

Contact:
Julie Scott

303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

New Bloodmobile Hits the Road

Bonfils Blood Center unveils coach with dedication ceremony

DENVER (Jan. 28, 2008) – On Monday, Jan. 21, Bonfils Blood Center recognized community members and benefactors including the Adolph Coors Foundation, The Boeing Company and the Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation whose monetary donations directly contributed to the acquisition of a new bloodmobile with a reception held at the blood center’s Lowry headquarters.

Mobile blood drives play a critical role in Bonfils’ efforts to maintain an adequate supply of blood by helping to make blood donation as convenient as possible for donors. More than half of the blood donated to Bonfils is collected through its mobile blood drive program. Bonfils Blood Center Foundation raised $205,000 to purchase the new, self-contained, six-bed coach which will replace a bus that’s been in use for the last 13 years. A bloodmobile’s typical lifespan is 10 years.

Bonfils estimates that its new bloodmobile will play host to nearly 300 blood drives and at least 18,000 blood donors in its inaugural year. The coach will primarily serve metro area blood drives, although it is outfitted with ancillary “retarder system” brakes to assist with mountain driving and may be used to service blood drives in areas such as Eagle, Routt and Summit counties.

“This bloodmobile symbolizes the giving spirit of our community and the importance of working together,” Thomas C. Puckett, president and CEO of Bonfils Blood Center stated. “Charitable gifts from our community help ensure that Bonfils Blood Center has the resources available to support patients in need of blood transfusion.”

Bonfils Blood Center Foundation is currently raising funds to replace its 1997 bloodmobile. Funds are also needed to support Bonfils’ blood supply safety initiatives; community and donor outreach; research; equipment, technological and facility advancement; Lowry facility improvements; and employee skills training. Gifts may also be designated as unrestricted and will be allocated to the area of greatest need. Visit www.bonfils.org or call 303.739.4000 to learn more about these and other funding opportunities.

Bonfils Blood Center celebrates 65 years of saving lives through its ongoing stewardship of the community blood supply and the instrumental role it continues to play in the lives of patients in need throughout Colorado and beyond. Established in 1995, Bonfils Blood Center Foundation is the fundraising arm of Bonfils Blood Center and provides financial support for many of the blood center’s life-saving efforts. 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 call 303.366.2000 or visit www.bonfils.org.