Donate today, save a life tomorrow

The 86th Communications Squadron sponsored a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 in the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center food court.

The event is dependent solely on volunteers donating their time and blood. The Armed Services Blood Program only collects blood from the military community and all the blood that is collected stays in the community.

“The ASBP works hard to replenish blood supplies that ultimately save lives in theater and across the military community,” said Emily Hayes, American Red Cross assistant station manager. “It’s especially important for those that are eligible to give blood and try to donate while they can.”

Every pint of blood that is collected can save up to three lives. There was a total of 45 pints of blood collected, which equates to 135 lives that could be saved.

“I think it’s important to donate because of the lives you can save with something so easy and it’s no more painful than getting a shot or something fast like that,” said Tech. Sgt. Erin Zorzy, 86th Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Lab supervisor.

Although it is encouraged to donate, there are certain restrictions preventing some people to donate. Some of those restrictions include:

• Having a cold, flu or fever

• Had acupuncture in the past 12 months

• Weigh less than 110 pounds

• Acquired a tattoo or permanent make-up outside the U.S. within the last 12 months

• Been pregnant in the last six weeks or are currently pregnant

• Have had Hepatitis after your 11th birthday

“Many warriors are deferred from donating due to service overseas and many civilians are ineligible due to time spent in Europe,” Hayes said. “To ensure the safety of blood donation for donors and recipients, all volunteer blood donors must be evaluated to determine their eligibility to give blood.”

Along with the restrictions, participants must know the name of any medication that has been taken and immunizations administered in the past four weeks and every place visited outside the U.S. or Canada since 1980 to include deployments.

For further information on how to donate, contact the American Red Cross at 480-2171 or 06371-47-2171.