Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Nearly 21 million blood components are transfused annually in the U.S., with an average red blood cell transfusion using three pints of blood.
More than 1.6 million people were expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2015. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
In addition, a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.
Someday, you or a family member or co-worker could be placed in a life-threatening situation and in need of blood. The supply only exists because of donors like you.
As the blood program officers, 2nd Lt. Scott Gregory and I would like to thank the DOD civilians, contractors, dependents and military members who supported Hill’s monthly blood drives in 2015.
Due to your participation, Team Hill exceeded donations by 50 percent over calendar year 2014.
We need your support this year to exceed two goals.
First, we would like to increase donations another 50 percent over 2015 donations.
Additionally, we challenge any organization, squadron or group to host a drive that exceeds 100 donations in a day.
According to a Red Cross analysis based on the population at Hill Air Force Base, there is an estimated donor pool of 7,600 personnel. Last year, the base had 469 donors.
We have the capability to do so much more for our community by donating vital resource-blood.
One unit of blood can serve four separate donors because the components can be separated into red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets.
We have accelerated our processes to get you in and out faster.
Using RapidPass, an online questionnaire hosted by the Red Cross, a donor can save 15 minutes in the screening process. The screening process is thorough. All donated blood is tested for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and other infectious diseases before it can be released to hospitals.
Information you give to the American Red Cross during the donation process is confidential. It may not be released without your permission except as directed by law.
We have increased capacity based on online registration; the Red Cross manning is set towards meeting those requirements. The primary location for this year will be the Base Chapel.
Sign up at www.redcrossblood.org/give/drive/driveSearch.jsp and use sponsor code: HAFB.
RapidPass: www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass
The remaining blood drive dates in 2016 are: March 25, April 15, May 20, June 10, July 22, Aug. 19, Sept. 23, Oct. 14, Nov. 18 and Dec. 8. Come out and join us.
If you are interested in volunteering, hosting a drive on base or have questions, call 801- 777-6726 or 801-586-2741
Information in this article is courtesy of the American Red Cross.
