**UPDATE 7/20/2010: Appointments are full, however, INOVA suggested to call Fri or Sat AM to see if anyone has cancelled their appt.

Donating Blood = Saves Lives  

During the Spring Caps Inova Blood Drive in March 2010, 609 total units of blood were collected from 662 Caps fans whch marks the most successful blood donation campaign hosted by the Capitals and by any sports team in the Washington, DC area.

“Donating blood makes a significant difference and helps save lives,” said Capitals defenseman Mike Green, who was involved in the fall blood drive. “This is an important issue where everyone can help. I encourage all Caps fans to come out, participate and help others.”


WHO:  CAPS FANS! 

WHAT: INOVA and Washington Captials Annual Summer Blood Drive

WHERE: Dulles Donor Center - 45745 Nokes Boulevard, #160, Sterling, VA 20166

WHEN: Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

HOW: Donors can make an appointment now by calling 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) or sign up online at www.inova.org/donateblood. Click on the “Schedule an Appointment” button (on the right side), and use sponsor code 7441 or zip code 22203 to find the Capitals drive. Appointments are required and walk-ins will not be permitted to donate. There is limited space available – only the first 500 fans to sign up will be able to participate. The entire donation process takes approximately one hour.

WHY:  The gift of life.  And as a bonus: All fans who attempt to give blood that day will receive a limited edition John Carlson bobblehead and a Carlson jersey T-shirt.  Caps defenseman John Carlson will also be at the blood drive to sign autographs for the donors.  

OTHER IMPORTANT INFO FOR DONORS:
To give blood, you must be feeling generally well on the day of your donation, be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the past eight weeks (56 days). There is a one week wait to donate after any tattoos or body piercings. There are other factors that may affect your eligibility to give blood; any questions can be answered by calling 1-866-BLOODSAVES or by visiting www.inova.org/donateblood. Aspects of each potential donor's health history are discussed as part of the donation process before any blood is collected. Each donor receives a brief examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin (iron level) are measured.

One blood donation can save up to three lives and there is an immediate need for all blood types. More than 200 blood and platelet donations are needed every day, year-round, for patients in area hospitals. Blood and platelets help many people, including trauma patients, surgery patients, newborn babies, cancer patients and transplant patients. Inova Blood Donor Services is the major supplier of blood products in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.

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