Arlington Emergency Blood Drive Set For March 2 Amid Shortages

ARLINGTON, VA — An emergency community blood drive is scheduled for Monday, March 2, in Arlington. The drive aims to address a sharp reduction in the blood supply caused by widespread winter storm cancellations across the Washington region. Inova Blood Donor Services, the sole provider of blood for Inova Health System hospitals, issued an urgent call for donors.

Fire Works American Pizzeria & Bar, located at 2350 Clarendon Blvd. near the Courthouse Metro station, will host the event. The blood drive will run from 12 to 4 p.m. An Inova Blood Donor Services Bloodmobile will be available outside the restaurant during these hours. All blood types are needed, with an especially urgent need for O-negative and O-positive donors.

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

Each donation made during the drive can help save up to three lives. The Bloodmobile is fully heated and will operate regardless of weather conditions. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome as space permits. Donors should bring a photo ID and plan for the donation process to take up to one hour.

As a gesture of appreciation, donors will receive $5 off any menu item at Fire Works American Pizzeria & Bar. Inova Blood Donor Services relies entirely on volunteer donors to provide blood products. These products are vital for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and other critical medical needs throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and suburban Maryland.

Appointments can be scheduled online at www.inovabloodsaves.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/35846 or by calling 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372). The sponsor code for this drive is 8629. Additional information is available from Joshua Maitz at joshua.maitz@inova.org.