FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
U.S. Army Medical Department Activity and McDonald Army Health Center teamed up with American Red Cross Blood Services, Mid-Atlantic Region for their annual blood drive Jan. 25 at the Fort Eustis U.S. Army Reserve Center.
Soldiers, civilian employees and donors from the Fort Eustis community came out to show their support by volunteering to donate blood for a worthy cause.
ARC team supervisor Tania Slight said they conduct blood drives yearly through the Mid-Atlantic region including various military installations. Last year Fort Eustis donated 63 pints of blood.
"ARC is responsible for distributing blood throughout the Mid-Atlantic region from North Carolina to Hampton Roads. Our goal this visit is to service 70 donors and in which each person is capable of saving three lives," said Slight.
According to Slight there is always a need for blood and ARCs works fervently to make sure local hospitals are equip to supply enough blood incase of an emergency.
"It's all about saving lives and we want to ensure that we continue to encourage the Fort Eustis community to help us save lives."
The McDonald Army Health Center and other Military Treatment Facilities gets credit for free blood units from American Red Cross to support our Soldiers and beneficiaries. Donating blood is strictly a decision that is to be made by the individual and is voluntary.
"As a Soldier I want to serve the community I live in any way I can," said Spc. Ondirae Abdullah-Robinson, 359th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, 10th Transportation Battalion 7th Sustainment Brigade. "Giving blood is not only convenient for me but I feel like I'm providing a great service to my community."
Although donors may not be forced or coerced to donate, reasonable incentives, inducements, and recognition may be offered to encourage donations.
"It's all about giving back and there could potentially come a time when I may need blood. So this is a great opportunity to not only represent my brigade but give someone a future chance at life," he said.
The ARC helps people in emergencies every day. Whether if it's victims during a major disaster or an individual who needs blood, their mission is all about saving lives in a time of need.