ASBP to host blood drive at D-M

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristine Legate
  • 355th Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Armed Services Blood Program is scheduled to host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, at Tech. Sgt. Arthur J. Benko Fitness Center on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

The ASBP is the official U.S. military blood and blood product supplier for deployed military members. Their mission of supplying these products downrange is a no-fail operation.

Since the organization’s start over 60 years ago, the ASBP has collected more than 1.5 million units of blood that have been used to treat battlefield illnesses and injuries. The blood they collect is processed, stored and transported from the U.S. to wherever it’s needed within seven days of donation.

“Donating is a great way to directly support our brothers and sisters downrange,” said U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Gregory Cox, 355th Medical Group Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight Environmental Health Element Chief. “If the ASBP is short on their weekly quota they have to buy blood products from private organizations for at least $280 per unit.”

Being a U.S. Armed Forces organization, the ASBP is limited to operating on federally owned properties, like military bases. Because of these limitations, it is vital for individuals with base access to provide donations.

“Donating blood is the least we can do to make sure everyone has a chance to come home to their families after having to endure the rigors of being deployed and away from home,” said Airman 1st Class Ricardo Brown, 355th Medical Group public health technician and blood donor. “The fact that a person can literally help to save lives by just lying down for 20 minutes is astounding.”

To donate, individuals can schedule an appointment or walk-in. Scheduled appointments will have priority and all donors get a free t-shirt (while supplies last).

To schedule an appointment contact Gregory.B.Cox19.mil@mail.mil (520-228-1915) or Jefonda.R.Smith.mil@mail.mil (520-228-2681).