Blood and platelet donations are needed in Northern Virginia, according to Inova Blood Donor Services.
Inventory is needed for all blood types.
Inova said it needs to collect at least 200 units of blood a day from blood, platelet, plasma, and double red cell donors.
“At the moment our platelet inventory is running very low this week,” Inova Blood Donor Services account manager David Banos Mendoza wrote in a February 14 email to donors. “Many lifesaving treatments require platelet transfusions, including cancer patients, those receiving organ or bone marrow transplants, victims of traumatic injuries, and patients undergoing open heart surgery. The platelets you donate will be used within five days after your donation.”
He said platelet donations “will help in healing the sickest patients in our neighborhoods. A little over an hour of your time could mean a lifetime of memories for those fighting for their life.”
February is National Heart Month. Blood and platelet donors can reserve times to donate on Inova’s website. Blood donors need to be at least 16, with a parent’s consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have a specific iron level that will be checked the day of donation. See all of Inova’s eligibility requirements.
Area businesses also are hosting blood drives. The Del Ray Business Association Blood Drive will hold a drive from 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28 at 1900 Mount Vernon Ave. in Alexandria. Sign up to donate.
“We are looking to fill 34 appointment slots and collect 24 units of blood,” said Inova’s Jessica N. Willis in another February 14 email about the Del Ray blood drive.
The Worldgate Athletic Club & Spa will have a blood drive from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 25 in the club’s main studio at 13037 Worldgate Dr. in Herndon. Check for available times.
“With all of the illnesses that hospitals have been dealing with, blood levels remain low,” said Stephanie McMahan, group fitness instructor at Worldgate Athletic Club & Spa, in a news release. “Once again, we are delighted to support the community and assist our local hospitals in building up the blood donor supply.”
Feature image courtesy Worldgate Athletic Club & Spa
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