The Military District of Washington held its second blood drive at the fitness center on Fort McNair April 29. Blood was collected by the Armed Services Blood Bank Center located at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC).
Forty-one servicemembers and civilians donated 26 pints of blood.
''I've always given blood. I think I started when I was in college. I've always thought it was an important thing to do, especially now, that I'm in a community where so many people can't donate blood because of places they've been deployed to," said Lt. Col. Mike Jordan, lead planner for the C2 cell, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region.
Donors had to go through a series of stations in order to donate blood Friday. First they registered and personnel checked their blood pressure, pulse, temperature and other vital statistics. After the screening, donors moved to shaded tables where they disclosed personal information to allow them to finally give blood. Light refreshments were available for those who donated blood.
Once processed, the blood will be divided up and shipped to the Armed Services warehouse processing laboratory. They will then deliver it to needed areas in Iraq, Afghanistan and Navy or Army military treatment centers overseas. The rest will be divided between the National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, said Jerrick Alexander, blood donor recruiter for the NCR, NNMC.
''We just do our part to support the war from the rear and I enjoy doing this job. I think it's been one of the most challenging things I have done in my whole career and I take pride in it," said Daniel Fasipel, blood bank supervisor.
''We're delighted to bring the blood drive to JBM-HH and Fort McNair. This is our second drive and we're planning to have another one in September to honor 9/11 victims. We appreciated everyone who donated this life-giving liquid to our servicemembers," said Pam Eller, MDW Family Readiness specialist.
Helpers at the center this year included employees from the blood bank, and the naval hospital and contractors from Sterling Medical.
''The blood we actually collect here goes a long way," Fasipel said.
Social Sharing