Blood center exceeds goal

by Chrystal Doucette<br>Herald Staff Writer
| July 9, 2008 9:00 PM

1,354 people donated

COLUMBIA BASIN - Inland Northwest Blood Center celebrated success at its 11th Annual Community Wide Blood Drive.

The four-day total for registered donors was 1,354 during the event, which ended July 3.

"Thanks to the support of blood donors throughout our communities, we shattered our goal of 1,000 donors and had a record-breaking community wide event," said Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Julie Holland. "It was the best year in this event's 11-year history."

Donors could register at several locations, including Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake. Hot dogs, treats and an 18th Annual Inland Northwest Summer T-shirt were available to donors during the event, in addition to chances to win prizes.

"Blood donations tend to decrease during the summer months when donors are vacationing and enjoying the weather," according to the center. "In addition, high school and college blood drives are on hiatus while students are out of school."

Student donors provided 21 percent of the center's blood supply during the past year, organizers noted.

The hours to donate blood at Samaritan are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays.

For more information, call 800-423-0151.