Soldiers, retirees, family members, federal employees and contractors on Fort Campbell can support deployed service members by participating in an Armed Services Blood Program (ARSB) blood drive on post Thursday.
Officials with Blanchfield Army Community Hospital say the ARSB is the official blood collection and transfusion agency for the U.S. military. It provides blood and blood products to military medical facilities in Afghanistan, Iraq and other deployed locations as well as to those on installations around the world. Blood donations are perishable and program officials said the Military Healthcare System requires 400 units of blood every day and looks to the ASBP to deliver that blood.
Blood donors must by 17 years old and older, military or civilian, and have access to the installation. Potential blood donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and feeling well for at three days prior to donating blood. They must also be well-hydrated and have eaten something before donating. BACH officials say those wanting to donate should bring a photo ID (military ID, driver’s license, etc.) and a list of foreign countries traveled to, including when, where and for how long.
The blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Thursday on post at the Soldier Support Center, Building 2702, Michigan Avenue.