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, 9 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 Runners can make a difference on Jan 9th 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 (several appointments in each quarter hour time block). 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. A slow 10 mile run (or 6 mile walk) the next morning would be an appropriate way to resume training. While it takes 4-6wks for the body to replenish the donated unit of blood, training during that time frame is still permitted. Top level competition should probably be delayed for at least 4 weeks.
Check out these informative documents on the blood donation process and donor eligibility from INOVA Donor Services
Questions? Send an email to Brenda Tingen or call her at 571-434-3650
Ready to Sign Up? Go to the INOVA Blood Donation Secure Website and log in as though you were Pete Bruno:
Once logged in, click "schedule" then "Add a New Donor". When the info is completed click "Submit" then select a time slot to donate. That's it, you're done.
And, thanks for volunteering!