LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The Armed Services Blood Program hopes to achieve their goal of 75 donors per month for Langley during the next blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Oct. 7 at the community center.
Langley holds monthly blood drives to try to meet this goal; and though many attempt to donate, unfortunately not all are eligible.
"A combat casualty or accident victim can use 40 to 50 units of whole blood; one donation can save up to three lives," said a program representative.
Armed Services Blood program is the only blood donor program responsible for active-duty personnel and their dependents, and approximately half of all donations collected are shipped to the Middle East for the war effort.
"It is critically important for people to donate if they can," said Ralph Peters, regional program donor recruiter. "However, deferrals are realities; we always promote the idea of finding coworkers or a friend to donate if you find yourself deferred."
Deferrals can permanently or temporarily restrict eligibility and are based on a person's travel history, and past and current health condition.
Travels to overseas locations where illnesses like malaria are prevalent are a guaranteed deferral. Such locations include Iraq, Afghanistan, north of Seoul, South Korea and regions of Europe.
Deferral lengths are directly related to regional lengths-of-stay. Military members need to inform staff members prior to donating if they have deployed at any time.
If an individual currently has an illness or has had one in the past, it is important to check whether or not they are eligible to donate blood. For example, those who have HIV or hepatitis are not eligible, whilst those with syphilis or gonorrhea may donate 12 months after completing treatment.
Eligibility may also be impacted by unique physical conditions such as acupuncture, piercings, brands, tattoos and permanent make-up. For an extensive list of eligibility requirements, visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil.
Mr. Peters added that a blood donor must wait 57 days after a whole blood donation before donating again; this equates to consistently donating every other month.
If eligible, there are tips on how to prepare your body before you donate, how remain comfortable during a donation and self-care following a donation, on the America Red Cross Web site, www.give2life.org.
According to ARC, the day before donating, individuals should get a good night's sleep, eat iron-rich foods and avoid fatty foods. It is also important to hydrate and be illness-free for at least three days prior.
On the day of donation, individuals should eat a balanced meal to prevent fainting or light-headedness. They should wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow and show staff members any "good veins" successfully used in the past to withdraw blood.
After donating, donors need to rehydrate for the next 24 to 48 hours, and avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for five hours.
For more information on the upcoming blood drive or any issues regarding blood donation, call Mr. Peters at 953-1686 or email ralph.peters@med.navy.mil.