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Donations drop by 40-percent during the holiday season while the need for blood increases. INBC anticipates the additional need due to increased travel, which increases the risk of traumatic injuries. It takes about two days for blood to be tested and prepared to send to patients in need, therefore it is important to ensure blood is available before it is needed.
The INBC bus will be at the Bonners Ferry LDS Church, 6568 Alderson Lane, from 1 to 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, November 21, and at the Bonners Ferry Safeway, 6519 Main Street, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 25.
You can sign up for either drive on the INBC website or by calling 1-800-423-0151.
For those looking for a community service opportunity on Thanksgiving, Inland Northwest Blood Center will be open at select locations during altered hours to allow INBC to maintain a safe blood supply while ensuring staff can spend the holiday with their family.
The following centers will be open from 7 a.m. to noon on Thursday, November 23, in downtown Spokane at W210 Cataldo Avenue, and in Coeur d’Alene at W405 Neider Avenue.
As a thank you to those who make time to donate on Wednesday, November 22, and Thursday, November 23, will be entered to win a $50 Fandango Movie Experience Gift Card! Plus, all presenting donors in November are entered to win a snow blower!
INBC strives to keep a five-day supply of every blood type on the shelf at all times to be able to meet the needs of patients across the region. Donations from O-negative donors, the universal blood type, are especially important this time of year due to increased accidents and trauma cases.
Inland Northwest Blood Center is the only blood provider to more than 35 hospitals across the region. The blood supply is dependent on selfless donations from volunteer donors to ensure the lifesaving needs of the region are met.
About 30 percent of INBC’s blood supply goes to cancer patients across the region, and one in seven people entering the hospital will need blood. Those relying on blood in the region receive that lifesaving blood from INBC.
With each donation, donors receive a free total cholesterol test and earn points in Inland Northwest Blood Center’s Hero in Me rewards program.
Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate on www.inbcsaves.org.