Blood donor center working to meet increased demand for blood

  • Published
  • By Chris McGee
  • Aeronautical Systems Center Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  As the global war on terrorism continues, the need for blood donations remains urgent. 

The Armed Services Blood Program at the Wright-Patterson Blood Donor Center here is managing an intensive effort to collect more blood donations to help meet an increasing demand in support of U.S. troops around the world. 

"Blood is a critical readiness item," said Joe Isherwood, ASBP blood donor recruiter at the base blood donor center. "The need is constant and growing." 

While blood center officials will accept donations of all blood types, they are especially interested in donors with Type AB and O blood, which is sent to forward areas due to the universal nature of these blood types. 

Members of Team Wright-Patt - military, civilian, retirees, contractors and their families - can support warriors deployed throughout the world by literally rolling up their sleeves and donating the gift of life: a pint of blood. 

"When a Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman needs blood, Type O is given immediately until tests can confirm blood type" said Navy Commander Michael Libby, who oversees the Department of Defense's blood collection and distribution system in Arlington, Va. "Those who have given to the Armed Forces Blood Program have enabled us to meet the needs of our deployed troops, but we need continued support particularly from Type AB and O donors." 

"The theater continues to experience increased requirements for both AB and O (blood types)," said Lt. Col. Dale Ferguson, director of operations for the Armed Forces Blood Program and stationed at Bolling AFB, Washington D.C. "Donor centers are critical to ensuring the providers have the blood they need." 

The ASBP supplies blood and blood products for the 1.3 million service members and their families across the nation and around the world. 

If the DOD program cannot stockpile enough blood to meet needs, the military could buy blood from civilian blood agencies, Commander Libby said. 

They have more than 20 blood donor centers around the world, including one at the Wright-Patterson Medical Center. 

Blood drawn here is sent to the Armed Services Whole Blood Processing Laboratory at McGuire AFB, N.J. From there, it is sent overseas.
Fresh blood, the preferred product for transfusions and other medical needs, has a shelf life of only 42 days. Donors can give blood every 56 days or six times a year.
Fewer than 5 percent of healthy Americans eligible to donate blood actually donate each year, according to information from the American Association of Blood Banks. 

To be eligible to donate blood at the Wright-Patterson facility, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds, not have a cold or other illness and be a military beneficiary or a federal government employee. 

The entire process to donate blood takes about one hour. Individuals who wish to donate can make an appointment by calling the donor center at 257-0580 or, more conveniently, visit the center on the Web at http://wpmc1.wpafb.af.mil/blooddonorcal. 

Walk-ins are welcome to all mobile blood drives or at the blood donor center in the Wright-Patterson Medical Center 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.