Altus Airmen donate blood

  • Published
  • By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kirby Turbak
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --   The Oklahoma Blood Institute hosted a blood drive at Altus Air Force Base July 24.

The drive is held quarterly at Altus AFB and the blood collected helps save lives in the local Oklahoma area.

"This drive we collected 32 whole blood and 12 double reds," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kristi Jordan, 97th Medical Group Clinical Laboratory Services non-commissioned officer in charge.

Last year, 166 whole units and 102 double red units of blood were collected, according to the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

"Donating can save up to three people's lives." said Kasinda Brown, who works at the Lawton Oklahoma Blood Institute.

When donating, those interested are reminded to, "Eat and ensure you are hydrated," said Jordan "Do not take any Tylenol."

Military members who have been overseas may also run into trouble when donating.

"It does not mean they cannot donate," said Jordan.

Anyone who spent six months or more in Germany between 1980 to 1990, three months in England between 1980 to 1996, and Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Portugal if they spent six months or more between 1980 to 1996, are ineligible to donate.

For those who have been deployed recently to Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan, it is a one year deferral from last date of travel.

The next blood drive is scheduled for Sept. 18.