FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blood Center Announces Memorial Day Hours

As summer travel season begins, Blood Center expects increased need for blood donations

MAY 20, 2004, SEATTLE — As Memorial Day, May 31, approaches, Puget Sound Blood Center reminds the community that it will be open on the holiday. Anticipating a greater need for blood throughout the region from now through August, the Blood Center also urges people in the community to make giving blood a priority this summer.

“Beginning with the Memorial Day weekend, more Washington residents travel the state’s roads and highways,” said Steve McLean, Blood Center public information manger. “Summer travel raises the potential for automobile accidents and other trauma, creating a potentially greater need for transfusions. At the same time, many regular donors take vacations and observe holidays, causing them to postpone their usual donations. Now, more than anytime of the year, it will be important for people who aren’t regular donors to consider giving the lifesaving gift.”

What better way to honor friends, family and others who have served their communities and country in so many ways? Special treats will be served in the Blood Center canteen in recognition of this holiday. Bring a friend and make it possible to help up to six patients. Holiday hours and locations are listed below. Those interested in making a donation can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-398-7888.

Five of the nine Blood Center branches will be open for whole blood and apheresis collections on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

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