Gov’t Shutdown Cancels Blood Drives; Inova Urges Donations

Inova Health System has issued a request for blood donations to make up the anticipated loss of donations resulting from the federal government shutdown.

According to Inova, the shutdown has caused the cancelation of four federal agency blood drives. Inova estimates the cancelations will result in the loss of more than 300 projected donations.

“Those lost donations would have supported the transfusion needs of 900 patients across Maryland, DC and Virginia,” according to an Inova press release.

Inova Blood Donor Services provides blood to 24 hospitals in the region. Donations are requested at the following locations:

Blood Donor Center Hours – Wednesday, Oct. 2
CenterMed Donor Center            Noon to 8 p.m.
Dulles Donor Center                   10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Woodburn Donor Center             Noon to 8 p.m.

Blood Donor Center Hours – Thursday, Oct. 3
CenterMed Donor Center            Noon to 8 p.m.
Dulles Donor Center                   10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  (Special Hours – Will be open)
Woodburn Donor Center             10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Donors are encouraged to make an appointment online at inova.org/donateblood or call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (866-256-6372).  
• Photo ID required. 
• Allow one hour for your blood donation.
• Donors completing the screening process will receive a $10 gift card
• For location information: https://www.inovabloodsaves.org/index.cfm?group=page&pgfunction=fixedsites