Inova Blood Donor Services Unveils New Bloodmobile

New Equipment Allows for Additional Double Red Cell Donation

Falls Church, VA – (February 18, 2011) – Inova Blood Donor Services has added a new bloodmobile to its fleet, one with additional space to allow for more double red cell donations. Double red cell donation is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used that allows people to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation. Red blood cells are the most frequently used blood component and are needed by almost every type of patient requiring transfusion.

“With additional double red cell equipment, we can collect more blood in the field which means more blood for the patients in the 15 hospitals we serve,” said Carolyn Bayless, Mobile Operations Manager, Inova Blood Donor Services. “We spent three years fundraising for this bloodmobile, and we want to thank the community and our donors for their support.”

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.  To donate blood or 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.