CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- The Armed Services Blood Program will return to base to host a blood drive this Friday, March 23, 2018.
The blood drive will take place in building 54, also known as the former Youth Program Center, and lasts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to donate including civilians, spouses and family members of active duty.
“This year we are making it on a Friday in hopes to be able to get more aircrew members in to donate,” said Capt. Allison Wilkerson, 56th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron intelligence officer and blood drive coordinator. “In the past, having the drive in the middle of the week prohibited many flyers from donating due to certain restrictions of their flying schedule. Hopefully having the weekend directly following the drive will help free up more people to come in.”
According to the ASBP distribution system, a single donation can save up to three lives and save the Department of Defense $600 by not having to purchase through outside agencies. The donated blood gets sent to forward operating bases, military medical facilities, U.S. Navy ships and first responder units.
Wilkerson explained that donors do not need to schedule an appointment, however donors who do schedule an appointment will be given priority over walk-ins during that time. Registering beforehand will also allow a donor to find out if they qualify to even donate due certain regulations concerning recent deployments and tattoos.
To schedule an appointment, sign up online at: www.militarydonor.com or contact Allison.Wilkerson.1.@us.af.mil (575-904-3298) or Andrew.T.Antonetti.mil@mail.mil (575-904-4060)
To see if you are able to donate, check the guidelines here: http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/can_i_donate.aspx