FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
McDonald Army Health Center, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, hosted a blood drive at Fort Eustis, Feb. 12.
The event was open to all members of Joint Base Langley-Eustis and the outlying communities of JBLE.
"Donating blood is a great opportunity for our community to give back," said U.S. Army Capt. Vidhika Persaud, MCAHC lab manager. "Since most of the blood is used within the local area, these donations might help our neighbors [on and off the installation]."
Shannon Revels, ARC senior account manager, said each donor has the potential to save lives.
"We divide the blood we receive into whole blood, platelets and plasma," explained Revels. "Since one person needs some form of blood every two seconds in the U.S., one donation can possibly save three lives."
Revels also said the quarterly blood drives aim to acquire 55 productive pints of blood, which usually comes from about 70 people, since a few volunteers may be turned down due to medical reasons.
Persaud said possible donors have nothing to fear when donating blood if they follow a few simple steps.
"As long as donors drink plenty of water before their donation, eat a good breakfast and lunch, and sleep well the night before, they should be fine," said Persaud. "All the technicians who draw blood are specially trained, so all of our volunteers are in safe and capable hands."
Spc. Nori Garcia, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), 11th Transportation Battalion, 331st Transportation Company watercraft operator, donated for the first time at the blood drive.
"I want to help out any way I can," said Garcia. "I wasn't able to donate before, but now I know it isn't anything to be afraid of. My blood could help another [Service member] or someone I know."
MCAHC and the ARC will host another blood drive, May 7, at the Army Reserve Center. To sign up for an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.com.