Donors needed for Academy blood drive

  • Published
  • By Maj. James Hoyman
  • Cadet Squadron 33 air officer, commanding
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  The Air Force Academy is set to hold a three-day blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 9-11 in Arnold Hall. 

Through the Armed Services Blood Program, officials say the Academy's goal is to raise 1,200 units over the three afternoons. All blood donated goes directly to our troops. From the time donated, the blood will be in theater within one week to help an injured Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman. 

Appointments are not required but are encouraged. Appointments can be made at: http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/can_i_donate.aspx. Medical restrictions that might prevent one from donating are also included. 

In order to donate, you must:  

-- Weigh at least 110 pounds 
-- Be at least 17 years old
-- Have been feeling well for at least three days 
-- Be well hydrated 
-- Have eaten something prior to donating 

Specific conditions and activities may prevent a potential donor from being eligible to donate. For example, travel to areas where illnesses are or have been prevalent can disqualify. Though most travelers will not become ill, there is a period of time where a traveler may be infected, but not display symptoms. To ensure the health of blood recipients, travelers are deferred from donating until the window where symptoms may appear has passed. 

Those who lived in England for more than three months or lived in Europe for more than six months between 1980 and 1996, as well as those who have lived in Europe for more than five years since 1980, are ineligible to donate. Those who lived north of Seoul, South Korea, for more than five years or who lived in Iraq, Afghanistan or other malaria-endemic areas for more than five consecutive years cannot donate until three years after their return. Those who lived in Iraq, Afghanistan or other malaria-endemic areas for less than five consecutive years may donate 12 months after they return.

For more information, call Maj. James Hoyman at 719-333-4604 or Master Sgt. Steve Honda at 719-359-6366.