Dyess donates blood, helps save lives

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. A.C. Eggman
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Several base organizations along with Abilene's Meek Blood Center held a drive on Dyess Air Force Base to donate blood to local hospitals and medical facilities July 16. 

"There is a constant, urgent need for blood and platelet donors at all times," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Bermudez, 7th Operations Support Squadron and Dyess 56 Club vice president. 

The Dyess 56 Club, the Airman's Advisory Council, and the 7th Maintenance Operations Squadron Top 3 helped the Meek Blood Center screen 86 people at the Hangar Center. According to the center's research, only five percent of the U.S. population eligible to give blood actually donates. 

"The Meek Blood Center supplies blood to 15 hospitals and medical facilities in a 12-county area," said Sergeant Bermudez. "Dyess personnel were able to donate 57 units of blood. The blood we collected is used for whoever needs it - military and civilians." 

The base is currently trying to hold blood drives every eight weeks with the support of sponsors, said Sergeant Bermudez. Approximately 40,000 units of red cells are needed each day. 

"People should consider donating because you never know who may need it and when," he said. "When you and others donate, there is a greater chance that the blood will be available." 

First time donor, Airman 1st Class David Ragsdale from the 317th Maintenance Squadron, said he donated because he was curious about the process. 

The process takes about 45 minutes and includes a mini-physical, screening questions and the donation itself. The two components that are used from a whole blood donation are packed red cells and plasma. The shelf life of red cells is 42 days, and the shelf life of plasma is one year. Two different lives are saved with each whole blood donation. Whole blood can be donated every eight weeks. 

Those who donated received ice cream and entered a drawing for two $50 gas cards. Airman Ragsdale was one winner. His co-worker, Senior Airman John Cahill also donating for the first time won the second card. 

"It's for a really good cause," said Airman Cahill. "I wanted to do it to save lives, to help people out." 

"I wish we could give one (gas card) to every donor," said Frances Baker, Meek Blood Center staff. "Dyess has the greatest donors in Abilene." 

For more information on donating blood, contact the center at 670-2798 or go to their Web site: www.meekbloodcenter.org.