88th MDG announces upcoming blood drive dates

  • Published
  • By 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The 88th Medical Group’s Blood Donor Center recently announced upcoming blood drive opportunities for people interested in donating.

“This is important because our products are used for military patients of all ages and must be available at all times,” said Senior Airman Michael Brady, 88th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron medical laboratory technician.

Upcoming blood-donation events:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 8 – 178th Fighter Wing, Springfield (178 FW Technicians Medical Clinic)
  • Thursday, Sept. 9 – National Air and Space Intelligence Center (Bldg. 859)
  • Friday, Sept. 10 – Air Force Research Laboratory/Aerospace Systems Directorate (Bldg. 18)
  • Monday, Sept. 13 – Air Force Institute of Technology (Bldg. 643/Civil Engineer School atrium)
  • Thursday, Sept. 16 – 88th Civil Engineer Squadron (Bldg. 22/training classroom)
  • Thursday, Sept. 23 – Properties at Wright Field (Housing Office)
  • Wednesday, Sept.  29 – 711th Human Performance Wing (Bldg. 840/second-floor atrium)
  • Oct. 18-20 – Senior NCO Blood Drive at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Blood Donor Center

The Wright-Patterson AFB community — military, civilian, retirees, contractors and family members — can donate blood. All a donor needs to do is walk in, bring a photo ID, register, go over a few health questions, get a mini physical and then donate blood. The entire process takes about an hour.

While the Blood Donor Center accepts all blood types, the greatest demand is for Type O donors, 88 MDG officials said.

One pint of blood can help up to three people in need. Donated red-blood cells do not last forever and only have a shelf life up to 42 days, according to the American Red Cross.

To be eligible at the WPAFB Blood Donor Center, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh over 116 pounds, and not have a cold or other illness. Individuals may give blood every 56 days, or six times a year.

For more information about blood donations, contact the base’s Armed Services Blood Program at 937-257-0580.