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A battling in World War II 65 years ago, increased the awareness and demand for blood plasma worldwide. Accommodating the blood of the Rocky Mountain region is not easy in 1940s. The blood banks nearest to Denver were located in Dallas and Kansas City. Fortunately, Dr. Osgoode Philpott and philanthropist Helen G. Bonfils recognized the need to establish a blood bank in Colorado. Belle Bonfils Memorial Blood Bank named after Helen's beloved mother, opened February 27, 1943 at Colorado General Hospital. And there vision was to meet the blood needs of the local community, as well as the military forces fighting overseas and maintain the focus today as 2008 marks the celebration of Bonfils' anniversary of 65 years saving lives.
Bonfils Blood Center today has become an important part of the healthcare system throughout Colorado. It now operates nine community donor centers, serves more than 200 healthcare facilities in Colorado and beyond, collects more than 200,000 units of blood annually and offers a variety of services to better meet the needs of the community, including the Colorado Marrow Donor Program and Hemo-Net. And Until now, Bonfils Blood Center continue growing with the changing needs of their community. As a non-profit organization and still maintains the same goal held by there founders of maintaining a safe, adequate and efficiently produced blood supply for the community. |
