It's better to give

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Vaughn
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) --  January is National Blood Donor Month and the Armed Services Blood Program extends a worldwide thank-you to all blood and platelet donors.

The ASBP manages the colossal responsibility of supplying more than 1.3 million troops and family members with blood worldwide, said Ralph Peters, an ASBP Blood Donor recruiter.

There are times when ASBP is unable to meet the demand because of a lack in donations. During blood shortages, ASBP purchases blood from the American Red Cross to meet their quotas, Mr. Peters said.

For this reason Sunee Marshall, a Brunswick Naval Air Station phlebotomist, said it's very important donors give through a military facility. "If we don't have the blood to supply because there's a shortage, we have to turn to the Red Cross, and that's not free," she said.

The Department of Defense requirement for blood in a wartime contingency is 60,000 pints ready for use -- all from donors. For the Iraq war, 100,000 pints are required, Mr. Peters said.

The ASBP is currently holding blood drives on military installations throughout the U.S. and overseas to help servicemembers and their families who need blood. The ASBP is always seeking donations because multiple blood types are in demand.

"Blood is literally the gift of life," said Mr. Peters. "It is only through the generosity of (donors) that we can sustain our quotas and meet our mission."

With advances in medical technology, more lives are being saved on the battlefield," said 1st Lt. Candito Mendes, the Langley Air Force Base Blood Program officer.

This results in a higher demand for blood. Another factor contributing to demand is the finite shelf life of blood, donated blood expires after 42 days, he said.

For this reason ASBP officials ask donors to encourage friends and family to donate as well.

ASBP holds blood drives on military installations everywhere. For more information go to the ASBP Web site at www.militaryblood.dod.mil.

During this year's National Blood Donor Month, ASBP officials would like to send a very special thank you to the war-fighters serving overseas who donate blood on the spot when the need is great, officials said.

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