Blood Drives Planned At Fire Stations In Fairfax County

MCLEAN, VA — Blood drives are returning to several Fairfax County fire stations amid an increasing need for donations. Volunteer fire departments are partnering with Inova Blood Donor Services to address the low blood supply.

According to Inova, summer presents challenges for the blood supply amid family vacations and summer break for students. This year, the coronavirus crisis comes with its own challenges. The easing of restrictions and resumption of elective surgeries has increased the demand for blood. While the need for blood donations is ongoing, the health system is facing a critically low blood supply.

Blood donation appointments are held in the fire station parking lots, and access to the fire stations is not allowed. According to Inova, donating blood is safe during the pandemic. There are safety guidelines in place, including spacing out donation areas. Donors are asked to wear a face covering at their appointment.

Inova also takes appointments at its Dulles Town Center, Woodburn Medical Park and CentreMed donor centers. Recovered COVID-19 patients can also donate convalescent plasma to help patients currently fighting the virus.

Appointments at the fire stations are available in the links below.

• Thursday, June 18, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. at Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department/ Fairfax County Fire Station 13. 2148 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA 22027
• Thursday June 18, 1 p.m.–7 p.m. at Franconia Volunteer Fire Department/ Fairfax County Fire Station 5. 6300 Beulah St Alexandria, Virginia 22310
• Monday, June 22, 12 p.m.–6 p.m. at Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department/ Fairfax County Fire Station 22. 7011 Backlick Rd., Springfield, VA 22150
• Wednesday, June 24, 1 p.m.–7 p.m. at McLean Volunteer Fire Department/ Fairfax County Fire Station 1. 1455 Laughlin Ave McLean, Virginia 22101
• Thursday June 25, 1 p.m.–7 p.m. at Vienna Volunteer Fire Department/ Fairfax County Fire Station 2. 400 Center Street South Vienna, VA 22180