Vance donors give more than 12 gallons during on-base blood drive

  • Published
  • By Jessica Gibson
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  On July 29, more than 100 people came to Vance's Community Chapel Activity Center to donate blood to Oklahoma Blood Institute's most recent blood drive. With each donor giving at least a pint of blood, the drive collected more than 12 gallons of life-saving blood to be distributed to 156 hospitals throughout Oklahoma.

According to laboratory technician Jennifer Hughes at the 71st Medical Support Squadron, the turn-out was very positive.

"When you give blood, you have the possibility to save three lives," Hughes said. "The drives want to make it convenient for donors, so why not bring it on base? There's a large number of people in a centralized location, and they're very positive."

Sally Eveland, a supervising phlebotomist who has been with OBI for 18 years, was excited about the number of donors who come regularly for the blood drives. "We always have a great time coming out, and they love us."

Eveland said that working blood drives is a full-time job due to the need for blood donations. "There's nothing negative about it," she said. "You get to meet people in Oklahoma, hear their stories, and see how much it's really needed."

According to the American Red Cross' website, every day more than 38,000 blood donations are needed in hospitals around the country to treat sicknesses like cancer and sickle cell disease, and for emergency situations like car accidents and fires.

"[Blood donations] fly off the shelves," said Hughes. "We always need more."

Of the eight different blood types, O-negative is the most sought after because it is the only blood type that is compatible with all other blood types. According to the Red Cross, 45 percent of Americans have an O blood type, but only 7 percent have O-negative blood.

"Blood donations are very important, especially in summer time," Hughes said. "Usually, there are more accidents in the summer time and we always need donations for emergencies."

"It's pretty simple and shorter than people think," Eveland said about the donation process. Before donating, the drive registers each donor and looks through their medical history to make sure they are eligible to donate. The donor's information is well-protected and kept confidential, Eveland said. "It is a safe process in all ways," she said.

After registration, the donor is given a mini-physical, and then gets set up on a pumping machine. The actual donation process takes only 10-15 minutes, and afterwards, the donor is treated to snacks and drinks to replenish their blood sugar levels.

Once collected the blood is carefully processed and heat sealed. Every pint of blood donated is thoroughly tested for diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and others before it is distributed.

Hughes, who has donated blood, said it was an overall good experience. "It was kind of scary at first, getting a needle in your arm and all, but in the end I think about all the people I'm helping, and I don't worry about it.

"It's a good thing," Hughes said. "You feel very good about it."

"You are literally saving lives when you give," said Eveland.

Vance's next blood drive will be Sept. 23, and will be hosted by the American Red Cross.