One pint saves three lives

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mariah Tolbert
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Team Seymour will play host to an Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) Blood Drive in the Commissary parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 23.

During the drive, all members of Team Seymour are invited to donate blood to help save the lives of Service members at home and deployed, as well as dependents and retirees.

"Donating blood is an admirable gesture," said Wendy Binder, ASBP public affairs specialist and blood donor recruiter. "One pint of blood can mean life or death to the recipient."

The ASBP collects blood from military members for use in health procedures involving military members and their families. Binder said one pint of blood could save up to three people's lives.

'The ASBP is a joint program comprised of Army, Navy and Air Force blood donor centers, transfusion services and blood depots," said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Corey Jenkins, department head of the blood donor center at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune. "The Department of Defense in essence, is a self-sufficient organization when it comes to blood collection and transfusion, with all the blood products primarily coming from ASPB."

In order to donate to the ASBP, donors must meet the following guidelines:
  • Weigh at least 110 pounds
  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Be in good health for at least three days
  • Be well hydrated
Visit the ASBP website www.militaryblood.dod.mil, for more specific guidelines.

"Being a blood donor is truly a selfless act," Jenkins said. "Blood donors not only give their time, but also a part of their physical self, to help another person. I would like to thank all those who step up to donate blood, whether it be with the ASBP or another organization. Your selfless donations are truly appreciated by the many patients each day that need blood product transfusions."