Misawa hosts Japanese blood drive

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sasha Navarro-Schmidt
  • Detachment 12, Air Force News Agency
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNEWS) --  Aomori Blood Bank officials recently held a blood drive on Misawa Air Base for Americans to donate to the Japanese registry.

The drive was unique in that the Aomori Blood Bank brought a mobile van to the base, capable of drawing blood from five people at a time.

"This is the first time we've been able to have Americans donate with the Japanese registration, so this really is a major accomplishment," said Capt. Molly Burke, the officer in charge of laboratory services here. "I know the people worked really hard to make this happen because we had to translate all the questionnaires and we had to do a lot of footwork as well because the travel restrictions are a little different. "

Navty Petty Officer Second Class Natasha Wood is a frequent donor and saw this opportunity as another chance to make a difference.

"Someday, I (or) my family may need blood," Petty Officer Wood said. "When people need it, it's important and it's a great thing to do."

Donors filled out questionnaires for their Japanese ID cards, which could be used for future blood donations. When donors entered the van, Japanese doctors and nurses took their blood pressures before drawing blood. Each donor left with a "goody bag."

"I think everybody should do it. I know a lot of people don't, but it's a good thing to do," Petty Officer Wood said. "It's one of the best things ... giving the gift of life."

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

Click here to view the comments/letters page