Continue the season of giving by donating blood

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chelsea Smith
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  Though money is spent on holiday gifts, food is diminished by hungry stomachs and volunteer rounds have been completed, the season of giving still lives on throughout the year for those in need.

January marks the beginning of a new year, but most importantly, signifies a national outreach for blood donation. National blood donor month serves to encourage individuals, especially servicemembers, to pledge to give blood.

According to the Association of Donor Recruitment Professionals, or ADRP, blood supply is scarce during the winter months due to inclement weather, illnesses, travel schedules and other winter-related causes that prevent donation.

"Every minute someone needs blood," said Lt. Col. Jacqueline Toplin, 94th Airlift Wing Aeromedical Staging Squadron flight commander. "Everyone on base should be aware, blood is something we can't produce ourselves."

ADRP states that approximately 39,000 units of blood are needed to save lives in hospitals nationwide for accident victims, organ transplant recipients, cancer patients and other ailing diseases.

"Only three out of 100 members of society donate blood to local blood donor organizations," said Toplin. "Servicemembers can be a part of the solution to help saving lives."

Donors must be at least 17 years of age, 110 pounds and in satisfactory health condition. Additional eligibility requirements can be found on the website of your donation location choice.

To make donating blood a priority this winter, visit any local American Red Cross or LifeSouth Community center to give the gift of blood to those in need.

For more information, visit www.redcross.org/donate/give or dial 1-800-RED-CROSS. You may also visit lifesouth.org to find a local community center accepting donations.

Dobbins Air Reserve Base will sponsor a Blood Drive Jan. 18 at building 813, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For information, or to schedule an appointment, email Charles Poole at charles.poole.1@us.af.mil. Start your New Year with giving the gift of life.