Be a Life Saver

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Renae Compton
  • 315th Training Squadron
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS --  The term "hero" may evoke thoughts of courage on the battlefield or a firefighter rescuing someone from a burning building. Heroism doesn't have to fit this typical mold - small acts of heroism occur every day. Giving blood is an act of heroism in which everyone can participate. Donors are allowed to give every 56 days and each donation saves up to three lives. The donation process can take about an hour, so for roughly the time of one lunch break every two months, one person can save almost 20 lives each year.

According to the United Blood Services website, blood transfusions save more than four million lives each year. It's estimated that blood is needed every two seconds, and one out of seven people entering the hospital will need blood.

UBS, the sole provider of blood products to San Angelo and 11 surrounding counties, serves 500 hospitals in 18 states and maintains a regular supply of at least one million units of blood. Donations are needed year-round for emergency and routine uses. Linda Grace, the local UBS Donor Recruitment Representative, said that the organization needs 50 donations a day to provide the 1,200 units of blood requested each month.
This is where each member of Team Goodfellow can help. Our base has a unique relationship with the local UBS division. The base serves as a huge donor source and UBS provides blood to the military free of charge.

Ms. Grace said Goodfellow accounts for 28 percent of donations and the organization sends at least one shipment of blood each month to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for free. The UBS sends 400 units of blood annual to Lackland. From there, it's shipped to other places to support the war effort.

Ms. Grace said too often potential donors hesitate to give because they believe that the military is charged for units of blood, but this is not the case with UBS of San Angelo. The agreement between the wing and the local UBS means Team Goodfellow's donations can provide relief for both the local community and support our brothers and sisters in arms.

We should redouble our efforts to donate blood. According to statistics obtained from UBS, 60 percent of the population can donate, but only five percent do. It is estimated that one of two people will need blood in their lifetimes, and for the one who needs it, the lack of blood can mean dire consequences.

As servicemembers, we're already in the business of saving lives. When it's so easy to make such a huge impact, why not do so? Chances are that you're qualified to give. There are often opportunities to donate on base as well as going to UBS.

Donors must be at least 16 years of age and weigh 110 pounds. Tattoos, medical conditions and medications do not automatically mean disqualification from donating. Additional information, including a full list of eligibility requirements, can be found at the UBS website listed below.

Time really isn't an issue, either. The donation process takes about an hour, and the time in the chair is around 10 minutes.

For those who get queasy with the idea of donating blood, volunteer to help coordinate a blood drive or encourage others to give. Any type of assistance is welcome. For more information such as establishing eligibility to donate or to schedule an appointment, call (325) 223-7500 and ask for Donor Services or visit www.unitedbloodservices.org.

The next blood drives on Goodfellow are: Jan. 11 from 1:30-3:15 p.m. in the blood mobile next to building 3519, Jan. 11 from 1-3:15 in the blood mobile next to building 112, and Jan. 14 from 8-10:30 a.m. in the blood mobile at the Ross Clinic.