Inova Blood Donor Services and George Mason University Double Number of Donors at CAA Challenge

Inova Sets New Record for Most Number of Units Collected in One Day

Falls Church, VA – (November 30, 2010) – Monday, Nov. 15 marked a day to remember for the students, staff and volunteers of Inova Blood Donor Services and George Mason University. More than 850 people came out to donate during the ninth annual Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Blood Challenge, for a total of 806 units of blood. More than 2,400 patients in the Washington, DC region will benefit from this huge success.

“The turnout on campus was phenomenal!” said Terri Craddock, Director, Inova Blood Donor Services. “There was a steady flow of donors for the entire drive and the blood drive staff was absolutely amazing. The partnerships we had with Mason Athletics, Jim McKay Chevrolet and 106.7 The Fan certainly made the difference for us this year.”

The attendance at the CAA Challenge set a new record for Inova. The previous record of 609 units collected at a Washington Capitals blood drive earlier this year was outdone by the students, faculty and people in the community who came out and donated for George Mason University.

“It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you reach out to others for a great cause,” George Mason University Athletic Director Tom O’Connor said. “The competition to win the CAA blood challenge and a chance to win a lease on a car donated by Jim McKay Chevrolet were good motivators, but I believe the Mason student body, faculty and community really stepped up mostly because they wanted to help others.”

Donors received an “Are You My Type” T-shirt, a Dr. Alan Merten bobblehead and the chance to win a one year lease on a Jim McKay Chevrolet Cruz. On campus donors enjoyed free food provided by Chipotle and Chick-fil-A and had the opportunity to see LaVar Arrington and Chad Dukes of 106.7 The Fan as they broadcasted live from the Johnson Center where the main event was held.

The winner of the one year lease for the Jim McKay Chevrolet Cruz will be announced within the next two weeks at a George Mason University basketball game.

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.