Northern Virginia

Blood Supply in DC Area Is Critically Low; Donors Sought

Blood donors will be thanked on Friday with $10 gas cards

Supplies of available blood are dangerously low in the D.C. area, and one hospital group is offering gas cards as an incentive to donors.

Inova Blood Donor Services has "truly critical inventory levels," donor recruitment manager Heather Wade said Thursday. On Friday, people who donate blood at three locations in Northern Virginia will each be given a $10 gas card as a thank-you.

"Our tanks are empty," Wade said. "You fill up our tanks, and we'll help you fill up your tanks."

Inova, which sends blood to hospitals across the region, is in particularly desperate need of Type O-negative blood; they only have a third of the supply they need. The supply of Type O-positive also is low.

Inova's blood supply is often lower in the summer, Wade said. High school students make up about 30 percent of donors, and they tend not to donate in the summer. Other donors' summer vacations also have an effect on the supply. Adding to the challenge, the need for blood is often higher in the summer.

"People have more free time to do self-care and visit doctors," Wade said.

Even if you're not sure if you can donate blood, make an appointment to try, Wade said. About 30 percent of the population is eligible to donate, but far fewer people actually do.

Inova will give donors gas cards on Friday in Annandale, Centreville and Sterling. Then, they will hold a 24-hour blood drive in Sterling from noon Monday to noon Tuesday.

To donate, visit inovablood.org or call 866-BLOOD-SAVES.

Contact Us