Dr. Pete Bruno has spearheaded a plan to involve Reston Runners in donating blood to address a critical need. That drive, to be conducted by INOVA Donor Services, will take place immediately following our run/walk events of Saturday, 26 January.
What prompted this drive is the constant need for blood. The INOVA Blood Donation Services supplies 15 hospitals in the metropolitan area. The blood supply at any given time constitutes only approx. 30-50% of the need and in an emergency could be wiped out in 48hrs. We are hopeful that Reston Runnners can make a difference on Jan 26th with a big turnout of donors. The bloodmobile (available to us at Reston Town Center from 8:30am-12:30pm) will be able to handle 12 donors per hr (3 for each appointment block on the quarter hours). A signup database for this purpose is available. The blood bank is hoping for a commitment from at least 18 RR between 9:00 and 10:30AM (they'll also advertise in the community at large for additional donors) but I think we can do much better than that.
Panera Bread is donating indoor space for registration. The INOVA donor vehicle will be parked right outside Panera's door.
Donors are advised to refrain from vigorous activity for 24hrs after the donation; it is then safe to resume training. It really takes at least 4-6wks for the body to fully replenish the donated unit of blood so if anyone is planning real competition during that time they should probably seek to donate at some other time.
Check out these informative documents on the blood donation process and donor eligibility from INOVA Donor Services
Questions? Send an email to Blood Drive .
Ready to Sign Up? Go to our on-line Blood Drive signup database . And, thanks for volunteering!