News Release May 1, 2008

Contact:
Julie Scott

303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

Bonfils Blood Center Launches Summer Donation Campaign May 18

Decision 2008 – Your donation counts and everybody wins

DENVER (May 1, 2008) – Coloradans have a lot of tough decisions to make in this political year but Bonfils makes one decision easy for you – the decision to donate blood. You don’t need to do a lot of research, weigh the pros and cons or defend your choice to friends and family. Regardless of your political affiliation you can take a little time to make a big difference in the lives of patients in your community by deciding to give blood.

Each week, more than 4,000 blood donors are needed to meet the needs of our community and be prepared for unexpected events. Furthermore, blood donations can drop as much as 20 percent in June, July and August yet the need for blood products often increases during this time due to accidents, scheduled surgeries and medical treatments. When you give blood, your donation counts and everybody wins.

To thank those who make a life-saving blood donation between May 18 and July 12, Bonfils will offer a limited edition Decision 2008 t-shirt. Give again between July 13 and Sept. 6 and you will receive a Bonfils baseball hat. Donors who give twice during the 16-week campaign will be entered to win a three-night trip for two adults to Mexico’s Riviera Maya courtesy of Apple Vacations and Iberostar Grand Paraiso Hotel.

With nine community donor centers and as many as 13 mobile blood drives each day, giving blood can easily become part of your summer routine not to mention that your blood donation can save and enhance the lives of up to three patients. Schedule an appointment to donate blood today by calling 303.363.2300 or 800.365.0006, opt. 2 or scheduling online at www.bonfils.org.          

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. 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.