Blood Still Needed to Support Servicemembers in Need

Armed Services Blood Program ^ | August 8, 2003 | ASBP

[Calpernia]

Though major hostilities have ended in Iraq, blood is still needed to support those who remain and those engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition to supporting the needs of military members and their families at home, the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) is responsible for supplying blood to soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines deployed worldwide. Having enough blood in forward areas can make the difference between life and death for those injured in the line of duty. The ASBP needs continuing donor support to make sure the men and women who serve receive the best care possible.

Blood and blood products are needed for procedures ranging from leukemia treatment to trauma surgery every day. The need for blood was high before the war and it was critical during the height of military operations. Though the need remains high, the ASBP has fewer eligible donors than it had just a few months ago.

The ASBP collects blood from the military community, for the military community. ABSP Director Colonel G. Michael Fitzpatrick says, "The program depends on donors who give as often as they can to provide blood products for sick and injured servicemembers. Many of those who gave routinely are now deployed or are temporarily unable to give because they were recently in malaria-endemic areas. We need others to step up and fill that void."

Some confusion exists over who is able to donate. While many who have been in Europe for extended periods of time are currently not eligible to donate due to concerns about transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease, travel to Europe for shorter periods of time doesn't necessarily exclude a person from donating. Information explaining donor eligibility is available on the ASBP Web site http://www.tricare.osd.mil/asbpo/donor_info/deferral.htm

Those with additional questions about eligibility should contact their local blood donor center. An online directory of blood donor centers is available at http://www.tricare.osd.mil/asbpo/donor_info/donor_centers.htm

"Though many medical advances are helping save lives in the field, nothing can take the place of blood," says Col. Fitzpatrick. He also noted that, "Bandages with clotting agents can help slow bleeding, but once blood is lost it must be replaced. That's what makes blood donors so important. We really can't do it without them. They truly save lives every day."

While all blood types are needed every day, Type O blood continues to be in high demand. ASBP officials explain that Type O blood is sent to forward areas because it can be given to anyone in an emergency. Once tests can be run to confirm their blood type, injured servicemembers will receive blood that matches their specific type.

If you'd like to donate blood or sponsor a group blood drive, contact your local blood donor center to make arrangements.

"American pride flows through us all. Donate blood."

[Calpernia]

I'm a donor, are you?

[Calpernia]

Ping See if your local Vet Hall or American Legion can set up a blood drive. It will help with recruiting too.

[apackof2]

bump

[Dubya]

yep
bump

[Calpernia]

Hiya Dubya!

[Dubya]

Doing OK, thanks.

[Dubya]

I'm working on some Mold Addendums. See you later.

[Calpernia]

Mold Addendums? When you're back, what are those?

[jnarcus]

I want to donate but I don't want to do it thru the red cross ( for many reasons) Are there specific blood banks that are run for the military and if so how do I find out where they are?

[TruthNtegrity]

From the article above:

http://www.tricare.osd.mil/asbpo/donor_info/donor_centers.htm

[firewalk]

bttt

[Dubya]

I buy UGLY HOUSES, fix them up and sell them. I also sell houses for HUD/VA. HUD requires an MOLD Addendum on every house I sell. I am a Real estate Broker in Texas and OK and Loan Broker. When I'm not busy I'm working fixing houses. Disclosure and Release Regarding Mold Addendum to Sales Contract

[Dubya]

Disclosure and Release Regarding Mold Addendum to Sales Contract


Between (Buyer) and the United States

Department of Housing and Urban Development for the property located at __________________

__________________________________________________FHA Case #____________________

Buyer is hereby advised that mold and/or other microscopic organisms may exist at the property and such microscopic organisms and/or mold may cause physical injuries, including but not limited to allergic and/or respiratory reactions or other problems, particularly in persons with immune system problems, young children and/or elderly persons.

Buyer acknowledges and agrees to accept full responsibility/risk for any matters that may result from microscopic organisms and/or mold and to hold harmless, release and indemnify seller, First Preston Management, Inc., Southeast Alliance of Foreclosure Specialists (managing agents), listing broker, Selling Broker/Agent, their officers, employees, agents, heirs, executors, administrators, and successors from any liability/recourse/damages (financial or otherwise).


Buyer hereby acknowledges reading this disclosure and release, and is aware of the conditions set forth therein.


This disclosure and release is executed voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance.


First Preston Management, Inc., Southeast Alliance of Foreclosure Specialists, real estate brokers, and agents are not qualified to inspect property for mold or make recommendations or determinations concerning possible health or safety issues. The purpose of this disclaimer is to put buyers on notice to conduct their own due diligence regarding this matter using appropriate, qualified experts.




____________________________ ___________________

Buyer Signature Date

____________________________

Printed Name


_______________________________ _____________________

Buyer Signature Date


____________________________

Printed Name


_______________________________ ______________________

Selling Broker/Agent Date


____________________________

Printed Name


Rev. 2-28-03

[Bob J]

ping

[New Zealander]

Interesting to see the difference between the standards for blood donation - I've recently returned from a malarial country, and I'm still elegable to donate - plasma only.

I checked out the link too - whole blood donations here have to be three months apart - not 8 weeks. vCJD precautions look fairly universal.

Is it true that people get paid to donate blood in the States? There's been some minor talk of that happening here...

[upchuck]

Is it true that people get paid to donate blood in the States?

Yes it is true. I personally know of a blood center in Louisville, KY that pays $20 for a donation.

[NewRomeTacitus]

Some Ineligible for Blood Donations
Some military retirees are ineligible to give blood, according to officials at the Armed Forces Blood Program Office (AFBPO). A substantial number of military members and their families cannot donate blood because of past duty assignments in the United Kingdom and Europe.
The restrictions were implemented last fall by the Food and Drug Administration as a precautionary measure against exposure to the human form of mad cow disease. Retirees, as well as some active-duty personnel, are affected.
Department of Defense officials issued a policy based on that of the FDA, which defers retirees, military personnel and family members who meet any of the following criteria:
* Traveled or resided in the United Kingdom from 1980 through 1996 for a cumulative period of three months or more.
* Traveled or resided in Europe from 1980 through 1996 for a cumulative period of six months or more.
* Traveled or resided in Europe since 1980 for a cumulative period of five years or more.
* Received a blood transfusion in the United Kingdom since 1980.
* Received a bovine insulin product produced in the United Kingdom since 1980.
"We want to stress that retirees who are eligible to donate should continue to give blood to ensure DOD supplies are met," said Major Ronny Alford, deputy director for AFBPO.

[chicagolady]

PING FOR LATER

[Great_Dame]

Donated in Pittsburgh on Saturday. Hadn't donated all year because we had been to Mexico City and Guadalahara last year. They asked if I traveled to any ruins and since I did not, I was okay to donate. Glad I did. If you have any questions about your status call your local blood Bank and ask them, they are really good about answering questions.

[MD_Willington_1976]

Can't...was in the UK during the 80's..mad cow and all that crap...