DAEGU, Republic of Korea — The combined efforts of personnel from 65th Medical Brigade, Korean National Red Cross (KNRC) and American Red Cross (ARC) resulted in a successful series of blood drives at U.S. Army Garrison Daegu installations during the month of May. Members of the USAG Daegu community donated at Camp Carroll, Camp Henry and Camp Walker, accounting for 96 units of blood — approximately 43 liters in total.
"One unit of blood is about 450 milliliters of whole blood," said Amanda Parrish, ARC regional program specialist. "From there the blood facilities are able to process it into different components. They can process it into platelets, plasma, packed red blood cells or just leave it as whole blood. And there's many, many uses for it."
"Just one unit of blood can help save many lives, because not every patient needs 450 milliliters of blood," said Parrish.
"It's been a great way to connect with the community. Everyone from service members, to Korean nationals, to family members, to even the blood drive team donated because every unit counts. It's a great way to make a difference."
As previously noted by healthcare officials, the Korean population has a very low incidence of Rh Negative blood types — roughly 0.3 percent. More than 15 percent of the U.S. population is estimated to be Rh Negative, which provides U.S. personnel with the opportunity to help increase the supply of blood types which are uncommon in Korea.
The U.S. Forces Korea Command Surgeon and KNRC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in late 2019 which allowed the KNRC to conduct blood collection drives at USFK bases and provided mutual blood supply support for patients across the Republic of Korea. According to 95th Medical Detachment Commander Maj. Clifford C. Wong, the partnership is strong.
"The 95th Medical Detachment (Blood Support) has enjoyed working alongside the KNRC through the last several blood drives. Both organizations are extremely passionate about the value of blood and collecting as much blood units as possible at each event," said Wong.
Although the joint blood drive team has already achieved success, Wong said he expects even greater results in the future.
"Each blood drive just gets better and better as the amount of effort and support placed into this operation continues to attract and draw higher numbers of donors. We are very lucky to be able to partner with the KNRC in similar fashion as we do with the American Red Cross back in the United States and we look forward to many more events in this continued partnership."
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