Tysons Blood Drive Planned With Washington Nationals

TYSONS, VA — As the demand for blood donations remains ongoing, the Washington Nationals and Tysons Corner Center will partner with Inova Blood Donor Services to host a blood drive on Saturday. The blood drive will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the mall's old Lord & Taylor store, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.

Aside from helping people in need of a blood donation, there are a few incentives for donors. Each donor will receive an exclusive Washington Nationals blood donor T-shirt and masks, along with pre-packaged snacks from Tysons Corner Center eateries and mall discounts for the sales tax holiday. Kelly Collis of Tommy and Kelly and The Tommy Show will be attending to cheer donors on.

Donors are required to make an appointment. As of Thursday morning, afternoon time slots are still available.

Donating blood is safe during the pandemic, according to Inova. The blood drives have additional precautions, including spacing of chairs in waiting and donation areas and staff temperature checks. Donors are asked to come to their appointment at their scheduled time for the safety of staff, other donors and the blood collected. Face coverings are required at Inova blood drives and facilities. Inova can provide a mask if needed.

Summer is typically a slower time for blood donations due to family vacations and other plans, but the pandemic presents new challenges for Inova this year. The resumption of elective surgeries has increased the need for blood donations, according to Inova.

"Generous donors are needed now to ensure we can continue to provide an adequate and safe blood supply for our community’s patients," stated Inova in a news release earlier this summer. "Each donation can save up to three lives, and takes less than an hour to donate."

Inova Blood Donor Services is also partnering with the Washington Capitals to give bobbleheads to donors at the CentreMed, Dulles and Woodburn donor centers from Aug. 10 to 13. For additional blood drives and appointments at blood donor centers, visit www.inovabloodsaves.org.