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HomeNewsArmed Services Blood Program seeks donors for Blood Drive at Fort Campbell

Armed Services Blood Program seeks donors for Blood Drive at Fort Campbell

Written by Maria Christina Yager  
Blanchfield Army Community Hospital 

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH)Fort Campbell, KY – Soldiers, retirees, family members, federal employees and contractors on Fort Campbell can support deployed service members by participating in an Armed Services Blood Program blood drive on post March 21st from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Soldier Support Center, Building 2702 Michigan Avenue.

The ASBP is the official blood collection and transfusion agency for the U.S. military. It provides blood and blood products to military medical facilities in Afghanistan, Iraq and other deployed locations as well as those on installations around the world. Blood donations are perishable and program officials said the Military Healthcare System requires 400 units of blood every day and looks to the ASBP to deliver that blood.

Armed Services Blood Program Phlebotomist Tracey Toomer, places a dressing on 1st Lt. Shelbea Treanor’s arm after Treanor donated blood to the Armed Services Blood Program. Treanor, assigned to 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, was one of many participants who supported the ASBP blood drive last December. (U.S. Army photo by Maria Yager.)
Armed Services Blood Program Phlebotomist Tracey Toomer, places a dressing on 1st Lt. Shelbea Treanor’s arm after Treanor donated blood to the Armed Services Blood Program. Treanor, assigned to 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, was one of many participants who supported the ASBP blood drive last December. (U.S. Army photo by Maria Yager.)

“Our mission for [Department Of Defense] is to provide blood and blood products for our war fighters and our healthcare beneficiaries,” said Lt. Col. Jason Corley, Army Blood Program, director.

“That’s why we need Fort Campbell’s help. Blood is a single-source commodity and only comes from people voluntarily giving it,” said Capt. Patrick Kaer, Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center, officer in charge. Kaer and his team are specially licensed and will be conducting the blood drive on Fort Campbell. “Every hour of every day someone, somewhere needs blood; no one knows that better than the warriors at Fort Campbell,” Kaer said. “This blood drive will play a vital role in us meeting those needs.”

Blood donors must be 17 years old and older, military or civilian, and have access to the installation. Potential blood donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and been feeling well for at three days prior. They must also be well-hydrated and have eaten something before donating. Those wanting to donate should bring a photo ID (military ID, driver’s license, etc.) and a list of foreign countries traveled to, including when, where and for how long. Donors will receive a free ASBP t-shirt as well as juice and cookies.

“Blood donations are vital to military healthcare both at home and on the battlefield. Our wounded service members and their families will benefit greatly from everyone’s generosity and teamwork.” said Corley. “Now, it’s up to all of you. Donating blood is an easy process that everyone can and should do. It only takes a few minutes of your time and can have lifesaving effects for others.”

ASBP officials conducted a blood drive on post last December and plan to visit Fort Campbell each quarter.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate at this drive, visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil

Use sponsor code FCKY.

About the Armed Services Blood Program

Since 1962, the Armed Services Blood Program has served as the sole provider of blood for the U.S. military. As a joint operation, the ASBP collects, processes, stores and distributes blood and blood products to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their families worldwide.

As one of four national blood collection organizations trusted to ensure the nation has a safe, potent blood supply, the ASBP works closely with civilian counterparts by sharing donors on military installations where there are no military blood collection centers and by sharing blood products in times of need to maximize availability of this national treasure.

To find out more about the ASBP or to schedule an appointment to donate, please visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil

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