DVIDS – News – Arnold Air Force Base hosting blood drive to mark National Donate Life Month

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. – Arnold Air Force Base is teaming with Tennessee Donor Services and the American Red Cross for a blood drive to kickoff National Donate Life Month.

The drive, which offers donors two ways to donate life, will take place April 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room 125 of Building 100.

National Donate Life Month is observed each April. According to Donate Life America, National Donate Life Month, established in 2003, helps raise awareness about donation; encourages Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors; and honors those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

The Donate Life America website states that more than 100,000 people are awaiting a lifesaving transplant. Another person is added to the waiting list every eight minutes, 13 people die each day while awaiting an organ transplant, and one organ, eye and tissue donor can save and heal more than 75 lives.

Personnel from Tennessee Donor Services will be on hand during the blood drive for blood donors seeking more information on how to donate life through organ, eye and tissue donation.

The Red Cross has made the blood donation process easier by eliminating finger sticks. Instead, the organization will utilize a new device – a ring-shaped sensor that fits onto the donor’s finger to measure hemoglobin levels.

While the donation process will remain the same, how the Red Cross measures vital signs to ensure donors are healthy at the time of their donation has also changed. Automated devices to measure donor temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate will be employed, replacing more manual devices.

All blood types are needed with all base personnel invited to attend. Contractor employees are invited to participate in accordance with company policy and supervisor approval.

To be eligible to donate, you must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. The process usually takes about 30 minutes, and donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating. Bring identification in the form of a donor card or driver’s license.

For more AEDC blood donation guidelines and information or to set up an appointment, employees can visit online at Look for AEDC drives using sponsor code: AEDC019.

Those interested in giving can also make an appointment by calling 931-454-5351.

Disclaimer: Tennessee Donor Services and the American Red Cross are nonprofit organizations and are not part of the Department of Defense or any of its components and have no governmental status.