Inova’s Summer Blood Drive a Success

“I just want to do my part,” said Diane Glover of Sterling. Glover used to volunteer to run blood drives years ago, and on Saturday, Aug. 15, she was an active participant at the Summer Block Party hosted Aug. 15 by Inova Blood Donor Services at their headquarters on Nokes Boulevard near the Dulles Town Center.

Melanie Allen, a Marketing Specialist for Inova Blood Donor Services, said that she gives platelets on a regular basis. Covered with white blankets as she underwent the donation process, Allen explained how her uncle had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and that without platelet donations he would never have survived as long as he did. She also explained how everyday she sees the need for blood and platelet transfusions, so she gives as often as she can.

The months of summer are particularly difficult to acquire donors. A large number of candidates are college students, but when those college students go home for the summer, not very many people come in.

The on-site blood drives at local high schools also must take a break for the summer, although the need for blood never seems to slow down.

The idea behind the Summer Block Party blood drive was to attract as many donors as possible, and to raise awareness of the need to donate in a fun, engaging event.

The building opened at around 8 a.m. and the band lineup kicked in at 1 p.m. Featured players included Sulaiman Azimi, the Anderson Siblings, the Southern Drifters, Mason Summers, Thirteen Towers, and Echoes (a Pink Floyd Tribute Band). Each of these local bands has close ties with Inova, as well as with the cause.

A number of vendors also contributed, including food from Chick-fil-A, Papa John’s, Atlanta Bread Co. and Uno Chicago Grill; and health and fitness concerns including Sportrock Climbing Centers, LA Fitness, Barakat Orthodontics, Cascades Chiropractic and Ashburn Icehouse.

The goal for block party drive was to get 200 donors. Final count was a bit short, at about 140.

Give the gift of life – call 1-866-256-6372 or visit www.inova.org/donateblood for more information or to schedule an appointment.

The hours at the donation center at 45745 Nokes Boulevard are Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Monday, noon-8 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Friday, 6 a.m.- 4 p.m. Closed Thursdays and Saturdays.