LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. - –
The Community Commons will host an Armed Services Blood Program blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 28.
The drive is open to all Service members, dependents, retirees and civilian employees. Donors must be at least 17-years-old and more than 110 pounds and have 57 days from their last donation.
Donors are advised to get adequate rest, be properly hydrated, limit their sugar and caffeine intake and eat iron-rich foods the night prior. Those partaking in physical activity are also encouraged to wait two hours before donating.
While the ASBP encourages everyone to donate, volunteers should be informed of some special requirements.
Volunteers can donate one year after departure from Iraq or Afghanistan. Donors who received tattoos in Virginia and North Carolina must wait one week before giving blood. People who have received flu shots and flu mist do not have a deferral time, but must feel well before volunteering.
For individuals who reside in the United Kingdom for three months or longer or six months or longer in mainland Europe, between Jan. 1, 1980 and Dec. 31 1999, the waiting period remains indefinite due to the deferral of Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or mad cow disease. The deferral affects Turkey and Saudi Arabia as well, and anyone with five years cumulative residency in Europe from Jan. 1, 1980 to present.
Though the ASBP is need of all blood types, they especially need types O negative and AB.
The ASBP supports all active-duty personnel by shipping blood downrange and locally by providing blood stores to U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley.
According to Ralph Peters, ASBP drive coordinator, each donation can potentially save two to three lives. Thirty to 50 donations are usually needed for trauma victims or combat casualties.
"Every volunteer and donor matters. Together, you are literally saving lives," Peters said. "We know that it is a commitment of your time. Thank you for your support."
The Community Commons is located at 74 Burrell Loop Rd., on Langley. Walk-ins are welcome, but donors may also make an appointment. To make an appointment, visit www.militarydonor.com, print the confirmation page and bring it to the blood drive.
For more information about ASBP, donor requirements, registration and more, visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil.