Saving the world one drop at a time

  • Published
  • By Michelle Gigante
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio --  January is National Blood Donor Month and the Armed Services Blood Program at the Wright-Patterson Blood Donor Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is in urgent need of blood donations, in order to meet their weekly overseas quota of 35 units.

The increasing demand of blood donations are a critical readiness item for U.S. troops around the world.

"It can be tough to bring people in to donate type specific blood types," said Victoria Fernette, blood donor recruiter at the Wright-Patterson Blood Donor Center.

According to 2nd  Lt. Ladislav Kucera, chief of the Wright-Patterson Blood Donor Center, Type O positive and Type O negative are the most sought after blood types here, due to their universal nature. She added that since packed red blood cell shelf life is 42 days and blood products cannot be stored indefinitely, the constant outreach for donors is vital.

The Airman Committed to Excellence Council has assisted the WPBDC in their effort to get more blood donors.

In December, A.C.E. organized a blood drive to support the center.

"A.C.E is a huge help," said Fernette. "They came in at the last-minute, they knew exactly where to go and what to do.  They are a valuable group and eligible to donate because they are young, haven't traveled anywhere that would restrict them and they are willing to help out."

Airman 1st Class Samuel Webb, a histopathology apprentice with the 88th Medical Group, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Lab and council president for A.C.E said that the work WPBDC does is important and he encouraged Airmen to donate blood.

"The Wright-Patterson Blood Donor Center here is critical to the armed forces, and defending our freedom," said Webb. "Encouraging people to give (blood) is something I take pride in."

Staff Sgt. Andrew Dito, medical laboratory technician student with the 88th Medical Group, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Squadron here said he regularly donates and comes back in every 56 days.

When I can help, this is one of the easiest ways to do it," Dito said.

According to Fernette a total of 12 blood donors helped to meet the overseas quota.

Staff Sgt. Cheryl Moore, medical technician with the 88th Medical Group, Surgical Operations Squadron Obstetrics and Gynecology Flight said she donates about every three months.

"I think it is a great opportunity to donate blood for those fighting for us because you can save three lives by just sitting in a chair for  about 45 minutes," said Moore.

The Armed Services Blood Program has 21 blood donor centers worldwide said Fernette.  For additional information on how to help visit http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil.