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News

Buckley Hosts Blood Drive

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jordan Thompson
BUCLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colorado --  Buckley partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Buckley SFB, Colorado, on July 18, 2024.

The American Red Cross reports that nearly 16 million blood components are transfused annually in the United States. Maintaining a sufficient supply is crucial when someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets every two seconds. Although approximately 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected annually, they have a limited shelf-life— 42 days for red blood cells and five days for platelets.

"When you sign up to donate blood, you are giving the gift of life and can be a hero for someone in need." Staff Sgt. Charles Colello, 460th Healthcare Operations Squadron, NCOIC of family health, said.

Buckley's collaboration with the Red Cross aims to address the ongoing need for blood donations and support medical treatments for patients with conditions such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, and kidney disease. According to the Red Cross, blood can save up to three lives per donation.

"We're always in a shortage," Dikota Hagert, American Red Cross collection specialist, said. "We get notified every day of what we need more of. There are always going to be surgeries, and unfortunate things happen where people will need blood."

Colello further highlighted the significance of donating blood as a service member. "Anyone who puts on this uniform embodies a sense of duty and service; therefore, donating blood extends that service to the local community."

The Red Cross' website states that over the last twenty years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen about 40 percent, leading to a recent shortage in January of this year. There is a continuous need for donations in the U.S., and to answer that call, 30 members of Team Buckley attended the drive to show their support and contribute to maintaining a healthy national supply of blood.

"If there's an opportunity to give back, I'll take it. This isn't much to ask for as far as I'm concerned. So, if I can help someone else, why wouldn't I?" Master Sgt. Daniel Zamudio, 460th Logistics Readiness Squadron, senior enlisted leader, said.

To learn if you qualify to donate or make an appointment today, book now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 

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