ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – The Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) is the official provider of blood products to the U.S. Armed Forces. According to the ASBP website, their primary services are to provide quality blood products for services members, veterans, and their families in both peace and war; to collect, process, store, distribute, and transfuse blood worldwide; and to work closely with civilian counterparts in times of need.
Blood drives are essential to collecting blood products. There is currently a blood shortage across the United States, not just on military bases. ASBP blood donor recruiter Shawntel Trowell says the shortage is “critical” and mainly caused by people getting sick.
APG tries to host blood drives once a month to be able to collect enough blood.
“People aren’t able to donate at the same rate,” Trowell said. Due to COVID guidelines and restrictions, the blood drives can only have a handful of appointment slots available for donors.
Anyone who has access to the installation can donate blood. Donors can donate once every 56 days (eight weeks), but blood does expire after only 36 days.
There are a lot of repeat donors on APG, but there’s always room for new people. Loyal donor Jeff Nickel has been donating with ASBP since the 90s. The Army Research Lab retiree says he wants to “support veterans and Soldiers” as much as he can.
What happens to your donation?
When a donor gives blood, they are giving “whole blood,” according to Trowell. The sample will most likely be split into two or three “types:” white cells and red cells. “White cells are for clotting, red cells are for transfusions.”
When donating whole blood, donors are also giving platelets which can be used for cancer patients, but platelets expire even quicker than cells.
Blood is also used for research and testing. “Every type is needed and everyone can help,” said Trowell.
Army Research Lab donor Michael Walock has been giving “as much as possible since COVID started” because “it’s a good way to give back.”
Sgt. David Anandzi, from Walter Reed Hospital, says the most important part of his job is educating students and helping them to understand the importance of what they do for the Armed Services.
Blood donor appreciation month
Armed Services Blood Program after-care appreciation table stocked with snacks, drinks, and other goodies for donors to utilize after their donation. Photo by Megan Clark, APG News
January is Blood Donor Appreciation Month. “We get a lot of loyal donors on the installation,” Trowell said.
Shawn Cole, who works at Army Public Health Center, says “blood is always needed, and [his] donation stays in the military health system.” He likes that he is helping Soldiers directly. Cole has been giving blood to ASBP for nearly 20 years.
In order to keep donors as safe as possible, appointment slots are spread out and limited. Donors are able to donate a pint of blood at each drive.
Donations are needed year round. To make an appointment, visit https://www.militarydonor.com/ to make an appointment.
For more information about Armed Services Blood Program, visit https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Combat-Support/Armed-Services-Blood-Program
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