JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The U.S. Army Medical Activity and McDonald Army Health Center partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at Fort Eustis, Virginia, Oct. 15.
Services members and community members lined up at the U.S. Army Reserve Center to show their support and donate a pint of blood to support the ARC.
"Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood," said Kristen Hatfield, ARC communications manager. "When Service members and civilian employees donate blood, they can help save the lives of premature infants, people with sickle cell anemia, patients battling leukemia, and trauma patients."
U.S. Army Capt. Vidhika Persaud, MCAHC laboratory manager, said MCAHC hosts blood drives quarterly in the hopes of collecting approximately 45 units of blood at each event.
"We understand some people aren't allowed to donate for certain amounts of time due to reasons like travel or illness," said Persaud. "If we host a blood drive every few months, we have more flexibility for people who want to donate but may not meet eligibility requirements during certain periods."
While the blood donated goes directly to the ARC, the health center earns credit for every unit of blood collected on the installation.
"We have to pay for each unit of blood we need to use," said Persaud. "So for every unit collected on the installation, that's one less unit we have to pay for out of pocket."
Staff Sgt. Jason Panergo, 128th Aviation Brigade weapons instructor, has donated every quarter since January when he first came to Fort Eustis.
"Bottom line is people need blood to live," said Panergo. "I may need blood to save my life one day that someone else has donated."
According to the American Red Cross, every time a person donates blood, they can save up to three lives. Donating blood is voluntary and is a decision that is to be made by the donor.
Those interested in donating can learn about the donation process and find out if they qualify by visiting
www.redcrossblood.org.