Saving lives one pint at a time

  • Published
  • By By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Did you know a person can donate blood every 56 days? Each time blood is donated, the body starts manufacturing brand new red blood cells full of oxygen.

The process from the time it's donated to the time it reaches the fridge or into another person's body is a long process.

"The testing itself is at least 48 hours," said Gwen Herndon, Shreveport Lifeshare Blood Center donor recruiter. "It is stored right here at Lifeshare, where it is also processed. We have some of the greatest blood researchers in the country right here. Because of the process, we encourage people to donate every 56 days. In the event of an accident or catastrophe, we could have peace of mind knowing that there is enough blood on the shelf to handle such an incident."

At the time of donation, donors receive a free mini physical which includes a blood pressure test, heart rate monitoring, temperature check and an assessment of iron levels.

"It's very important to donate because it just might mean one pint of blood to you, but the difference between life and death to someone else," said Staff Sgt Monique Moll, 2d Medical Group noncommissioned officer of personnel and administrations. "Not only are you offering help to people that you may not know, you could be saving the lives of loved ones."

Currently there is a high demand for "O" and "B" types, but all types are needed in order to keep up with the demand.

"There is a huge demand for blood," said Ms. Herndon. "We have one of the highest rates of cancer in the country. We have three cancer treatment centers here in Shreveport. Cancer patients use a lot of blood components. Chemotherapy destroys platelets and red blood cells. We also have a burn center here and burn victims are big blood users. Patients taking Coumadin and Plavix have difficulty clotting if they have an accident...they use huge amounts of blood if injured."

Donated blood has a shelf life of 46 days, but the blood collected with Lifeshare never stays on the shelf as long as the "shelf life" stated Ms. Herndon.

Each year Lifeshare distributes more than 215,000 blood products to approximately 139 healthcare facilities.

LifeShare is on the base several times a month to give Barksdale members a closer location to donate blood.

Individuals must be 17 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds to donate. It is preferred that you eat a substantial meal one to four hours before you donate. For more information on donating, visit the Lifeshare website at www.lifeshare.org.

Can you donate if:

You take high blood pressure medication?
You may donate blood if your pressure is within acceptable limits at the time of donation.

You have diabetes?
You may donate blood if you have diabetes, even if you are insulin dependent.

You have rheumatoid arthritis?
A donor who has previously deferred may now be eligible to give blood provided the medications you are taking are acceptable. Please ask.

You have had cancer?
Some previously deferred donors can now give blood if it has been five years from the end of completion of therapy with no recurrence.

You have taken aspirin, tylenol, advil or other medications?
Often, you may donate even though you are taking medication. There are very few medications that disqualify you from donating. Please ask.

Tattoos are acceptable, if they are three weeks old. Same rule applies to body-piercings.