Emergency Blood Drive Mon., March 2, in Arlington

Alexandria, VA — Recent winter storms across the Washington region have forced the cancellation of numerous blood drives, significantly impacting the local blood supply and triggering an urgent appeal from Inova Blood Donor Services, the exclusive blood provider for Inova Health System hospitals.

Each donation can help save up to three lives today.

To address critical patient needs, Fire Works American Pizzeria & Bar will host an emergency community blood drive on Monday, March 2, from noon to 4 p.m. at 2350 Clarendon Blvd., near the Courthouse Metro station.

An Inova Blood Donor Services Bloodmobile will be parked outside the restaurant throughout the drive. Donations of all blood types are needed, with a particularly urgent demand for O-negative and O-positive.

“Patients still need blood every day, regardless of weather,” said Josh Maitz, donor recruitment representative for Inova Blood Donor Services. “If you’re healthy and eligible, your donation today could save a life tonight.”

The fully heated Bloodmobile will operate rain or shine. Walk-ins are welcome as capacity allows, but appointments are strongly encouraged.

Donors should bring a photo ID and plan to spend up to one hour completing the donation process. As a token of appreciation, participants 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/35846
or by calling 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372). Use sponsor code 8629. Additional information is available from Joshua Maitz at [email protected].

Visuals available include the Bloodmobile, live donations, donor intake in progress, and community participation. The event is ADA accessible.

Inova Blood Donor Services depends entirely on volunteer donors to supply blood for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and other critical medical needs throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and suburban Maryland.