Armed Forces Blood Program - Just Do It!

[wackychick]

Recently, at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA, dozens of Marines, sailors and civilians filed into Little Hall and gave of a pint of blood to the Armed Forces Blood Program, the Defense Department’s official blood bank. Taking a couple of hours from daily duties, they donated blood that will likely be used for active duty service members.

The blood needs of America’s fighting forces are met by the Armed Services Blood Program, whose practices are designed to maintain self-sufficiency in blood collection and blood product manufacturing for the purpose of operational security. The blood program organization collects, processes and distributes blood and blood products for the Department of Defense. Blood collected is used in military hospitals and sent to locations worldwide to save the lives of those wounded in action.

Numerous civilians donate as well. Last October, a Department of Defense policy was signed, allowing civilians to donate blood on military installations and at federal sites during a state of war or catastrophic event.

The program’s Web site, Armed Services Blood Program: The Official Program for Blood Donation and Collection for the Armed Services, features information on how to join a ‘‘Life Force” team of donors, volunteers and supporters. Topics include blood facts, donor eligibility criteria, donor center locations, and more. Find one in YOUR area and donate a pint!