News Release August 4, 2008
Contact:
Tiffany Anderson
303.363.2307
Bonfils Blood Center
Bonfils Blood Center to Participate in National Israeli Blood Program through America’s Blood Centers Agreement
Denver (August 4, 2008) - Bonfils Blood Center will participate as a back-up blood supplier to assist Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s only government-mandated ambulance and emergency response agency which serves as the nation’s second line of defense providing medical, disaster, ambulance and blood services.
This arrangement results from a recently signed agreement between MDA and America’s Blood Centers (ABC), the network of community blood centers that collects nearly half of the nation’s blood supply of which Bonfils is a founding member. Through this collaboration, ABC members will improve MDA’s preparedness efforts in case of a serious international disaster like an Avian Flu outbreak or other emergency situations.
“As Colorado’s community blood center, our first priority is to meet the needs of this community, but we are proud to participate in national partnerships like our support of the U.S. Military and international agreements like this one with MDA to act as a back-up blood source when called upon,” says Tom Puckett, Bonfils Blood Center’s President and CEO. “This collaboration aligns with our mission of saving and enhancing lives and helps provide a safe and adequate blood supply no matter when and where it is needed.”
Donating blood is one of the easiest ways to support communities in need. To schedule an appointment to give blood, please call 303.363.2300 or 800.365.0006, opt. 2 or visit www.bonfils.org.
About Bonfils Blood Center
Bonfils Blood Center celebrates 65 years of saving lives through its ongoing stewardship of the community blood supply and the instrumental role it continues to play in the lives of patients in need throughout Colorado and beyond. Bonfils Blood Center supplies blood to more than 200 healthcare facilities and needs to collect more than 4,000 blood donations weekly to meet the needs of the community and to be prepared for any unexpected events. For information about Bonfils Blood Center please call 303.366.2000 or visit www.bonfils.org.
About America’s Blood Centers
Founded in 1962, America’s Blood Centers is North America’s largest network of community-based blood programs. Recognized by the U.S. Congress for its critical work in patient care and disaster preparedness and response, the federation of 77 blood centers together operates more than 600 collection sites in 45 U.S. states and Canada, providing half of the U.S. and all of the Canadian volunteer donor blood supply.
These blood centers serve an area with more than 180 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 4,200 hospitals and healthcare facilities across North America. America’s Blood Centers’ U.S. members are licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Canadian members are regulated by Health Canada.
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