Emergency Blood Drive May 1 in Arlington Near Courthouse Metro Amid Critical Shortage
Critical Blood Shortage Creates Urgent, Lifesaving Need for Donors Across the Region
ARLINGTON, Va. — Friday, April 24, 2026 — A critically low regional blood supply is placing sustained pressure on hospitals across Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and suburban Maryland, prompting an urgent appeal from Inova Blood Donor Services, the sole provider of blood for Inova Health System hospitals.
Hospital officials emphasize that blood is needed every day for trauma victims, surgical patients, cancer treatments, premature infants, and emergency care across the region.
Each donation can help save up to three lives.
To help meet immediate patient needs, Fire Works American Pizzeria & Bar (https://www.fireworkspizza.com/arlington/) will host an Emergency Community Blood Drive on Friday, May 1, from noon to 4 p.m., at 2350 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Va., ((https://goo.gl/maps/yaDjsWnHQkc194Kj7), steps from the Courthouse Metro Station.
Appointments can be made at: https://www.inovabloodsaves.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/36061
An Inova Blood Donor Services Bloodmobile will be stationed on-site throughout the event.
All blood types are needed, with an especially urgent need for O-negative and O-positive donors.
Human Impact & Storytelling Focus
This drive comes as hospitals continue to rely on steady donor participation to maintain lifesaving care levels. Officials say even one donation can directly impact multiple patients in critical condition.
Donors participating Friday will be part of a visible, community-driven response to a regional medical need that continues daily across hospital systems.
On-Site Interviews Available (Broadcast Ready)
Inova Blood Donor Services representatives will be available on-site for live or recorded interviews, including background on regional blood needs, donor eligibility, and hospital demand.
Donors will also be available on-site for interviews if they are willing to share their experience, offering potential real-time, human-interest perspectives for broadcast coverage.
Visual Opportunities (High-Value for TV Newsrooms)
- Bloodmobile stationed along busy Arlington corridor near Courthouse Metro
- Donors actively giving blood inside mobile unit
- Real-time intake and screening process
- Community members arriving throughout midday lunch period
- Interviews with donors, first-time donors, and repeat donors
- Inova representatives explaining regional demand
- Exterior shots of Clarendon Blvd pedestrian traffic and Metro access
Event Details
- Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
- Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Fire Works American Pizzeria & Bar
2350 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Va - (Near Courthouse Metro Station)
- (https://goo.gl/maps/yaDjsWnHQkc194Kj7)
- https://www.fireworkspizza.com/arlington/
The Bloodmobile is fully heated and will operate rain or shine.
Walk-ins are welcome as space allows, though appointments are strongly encouraged.
Donors must present a valid photo ID and should allow approximately one hour for the donation process, making participation feasible during a lunch break or afternoon visit.
As a thank-you, donors will receive $5 off any menu item at Fire Works American Pizzeria & Bar.
Appointments may be scheduled online at https://www.inovabloodsaves.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/36061
Or by calling 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372)
Use sponsor code 8629
Additional information is available from Joshua Maitz at [email protected]
Accessibility
ADA accessible.
About Inova Blood Donor Services
Inova Blood Donor Services relies entirely on volunteer donors to supply blood products for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and other critical medical needs across Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and suburban Maryland.
