Armed Services Blood Program prepares to hold blood drive

  • Published
  • By Colleen Urban
  • Armed Services Blood Program - Europe

The Armed Services Blood Program will hold a blood drive Aug. 9, 2016, to collect and provide blood products to our armed services both in peace and war time situations.

The blood drive will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the RAF Lakenheath Fitness and Sports Center, building 904. Donors from RAF Mildenhall are encouraged to attend the RAF Lakenheath blood drive, as the donor center team will only be in the area one day.

The Armed Services Blood Program collects blood from service members, family members, retirees, and Department of Defense civilians. All blood collected stays within the community.

The basic guidelines for blood donation state those donating must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and don’t have a cold or other illness. There are also other specific restrictions that may exclude people from donating. Representatives at the blood drive can provide more information.

Blood must be collected constantly to replace aging contingency supplies and also meet the peacetime needs of the military health system. Individuals can donate blood every 56 days, and one donation can help up to three people!

 To make an appointment to donate, visit www.militarydonor.com. Click on “Donate Blood” then click “Landstuhl, Germany,” and  find a blood drive near you.  For more information, call DSN 590-5885, commercial 06371-946-45885.