Inova Blood Donor Services Urges Public to Donate Blood during National Blood Donor Month

Each Donation Can Save up to Three Lives

Sterling, VA – (January 6, 2010) — Inova Blood Donor Services (IBDS) is encouraging individuals to participate in National Blood Donor Month. Observed throughout the month of January, National Blood Donor Month provides an opportunity for people to donate blood or pledge to give blood at a time of the year when it is typically in short supply.

“Every donation can save up to three lives, so becoming a regular blood donor is an excellent way to make a difference in one’s community,” says Terri Craddock, director, Inova Blood Donor Services. “Our goal is to help ensure that blood is available to patients whenever and wherever it is needed, because it is the blood on the shelves that saves lives.”

With a shelf life of only 42 days, blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months, when regular blood donors’ schedules can be adversely affected due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. January, in particular, is a difficult month for blood centers to collect blood donations.

A reduction in turnout can put our nation’s blood inventory at a critical low. Every day in our country, approximately 39,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency-treatment facilities for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to help save the lives of accident victims.

In recognition of National Blood Door Month, IBDS is thanking donors with an embroidered fleece scarf throughout the month of January. Individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16-year-olds can donate with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and meet other general requirements may be eligible to donate blood.

IBDS encourages donors and potential donors to make giving blood a regular part of their lives. Those interested in donating blood are encouraged to visit inova.org/donateblood or call 1-866-BLOODSAVES to find a convenient blood-donation site and to schedule an appointment.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.