Capitals Blood Drive Collects More Than 600 Units of Blood
March 30, 2010 – The Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and Inova Blood Donor Services collected 609 total units of blood from 642 Capitals fans at their 2010 spring blood drive on Saturday, March 27, at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va. It marked the most successful blood donation campaign hosted by a sports team in the Washington, D.C., area.
Donors received a limited edition bobblehead of Capitals player Alexander Semin and a Semin jersey T-shirt. With special thanks to Washington Capitals partner SHARP, everyone who completed the screening process was entered into a drawing to win a 22” Sharp LCD-TV with built-in DVD player.
| Semin | |
“What a phenomenal success! We far exceeded our goal and I could not be more proud, not only of the IBDS staff but also of the dedication of the Caps fans,” said Terri Craddock, director of Inova Blood Donor Services. “I want to thank the Washington Capitals for another great blood drive.”
The Caps will co-host another Inova blood drive Saturday, July 24, at Inova Blood Donor Services in Sterling, Va. All fans who attempt to donate will receive the next limited edition Capitals Blood Drive bobblehead and a Caps player jersey T-shirt. Check back at inova.org/donateblood and click Schedule an Appointment or call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (866-256-6372) for more information and to make an appointment to donate.
| Have You Donated Blood Lately? | |
| Maintaining an adequate blood supply is important for everyone, but it is especially so for people with thalassemia. If you are capable of giving blood, we urge you to do so. Below are websites for the major U.S. blood collection agencies. Contact them to find a blood donation location near you. American Association of Blood Banks –www.aabb.org America’s Blood Centers –www.americasblood.org, 1-888-USBLOOD American Red Cross – www.givelife.org, 1-800-GIVELIFE |
One blood donation can save up to three lives, and the 609 units collected could help more than 1,827 local patients. There is an immediate need for most blood types. More than 200 blood and platelet donations are needed every day, year-round, by patients at the 15 hospitals served by Inova Blood Donor Services. Blood and platelets help many people, including trauma patients, surgery patients, newborn babies, cancer patients and transplant patients.
(Below is a video from the American Red Cross about what is involved in donating blood.)