COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- There is no substitute for human blood, nor can human blood be manufactured.
Blood products cannot be stored indefinitely, therefore a constant need for donations is necessary.
Columbus Air Force Base schedules blood drives once a quarter. Average donations are at least 40 units per drive. Also, for every five units of whole blood collected, Columbus AFB receives one credit to obtain blood, blood products or blood bank related services within Mississippi Health Services, Department of Veteran Affairs, or otherwise used as the Air Force Blood Program Office deems appropriate.
Through the generous donors of Columbus AFB, at least 80-120 members of the local community and possibly our fellow brother and sister branches can benefit. Red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate are the four types of products derived from blood. Type O negative red cells is the Universal Donor, meaning individuals with this blood type are compatible with people of all blood types. Whereas, an AB negative individual has the capability to donate their plasma to anyone.
The important point is, to donate you must be at least the age of 18, or have parental permission for individuals 16 and 17. Donors must also be at least 110 pounds. A healthy donor is capable of donating red cells every 56 days and platelets can be donated as few as seven days apart, but a maximum of 24 times a year.
For more information please contact Capt. Yolanda McKelvey at 434-1588/2124.