Inova Blood Donor Services Celebrates National Blood Donor Month

January Marks National Observation; Inova Encourages New and Existing Donors to Give Blood During Winter Months

Falls Church, VA- (January 3, 2011) – Inova Blood Donor Services is celebrating National Blood Donor Month this January by thanking its donors and the many organizations that host blood drives. This month is an opportunity for donor centers around the country to educate and encourage those who have not donated to consider giving blood. Donors will receive a limited edition National Blood Donor Month long sleeve shirt from Inova Blood Donor Services as a token of appreciation.

“The winter months are one of the toughest times for blood collection. January is a great opportunity to remind donors how much we appreciate them and continually need their support,” said Terri Craddock, Director, Inova Blood Donor Services. “We also hope to inspire people to make blood donation a new year’s resolution.”

Besides donating blood, people can help the blood supply by hosting blood drives at their local organizations, businesses and churches, and by recruiting new blood donors and spreading the word about the importance of blood donation.

Only 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, and less than 5 percent actually do so. Donating as often as often possible will help ensure a ready blood supply for patients in the 15 hospitals Inova Blood Donors Services serves. For more information visit www.inova.org/donateblood or call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (866-256-6372).

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.