Donate blood -- The next rounds on you, give 'em a pint

Published June 19, 2009
By The Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- An Armed Services Blood Program blood drive open to U.S. servicemembers, U.S. military family members and Department of Defense civilians is from 9 am. to 3 p.m. July 1 at the Community Center.

"The ASBP has the mission to supply blood for our service members, family members, retirees and other beneficiaries throughout Europe and other locations around the world," said Mike Peacock, Armed Services Blood Bank Center blood donor recruiter.

To make an appointment to donate or register with the Armed Services Blood Program to check on previous donation dates and edibility to donate, visit www.militarylifeforce.com and click on "Landstuhl."

"Even if you cannot make the exact time of your scheduled appointment, we encourage you to use the Web site to schedule an appointment. This allows you to keep a record of your donations to the ASBP throughout your career," Mr. Peacock said. "It also gives us a better idea of donor numbers and equipment needed."

The Web site also contains infomation about the ASBP, the donation process and ASBP happenings.

Individuals cannot donate blood if:
· They have a cold, flu or fever.
· They have had acupuncture in the past 12 months.
· They weigh less than 110 pounds.
· They have had hepatitis after their 11th birthday.
· They have HIV, or ever tested positive for HIV.
· They are pregnant or have been pregnant in the last six weeks.
· They have traveled to Iraq, Eastern Turkey, Afghanistan or western provinces of Saudi Arabia, excluding the high altitude areas of Asir Province and the urban areas of Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Riyadh and Taif or Prince Sultan Air Base, in the last year.
· Within the last two years, they traveled to South Korea and were north of Seoul at any time including the demilitarized zone tour. Please inform receptionist of specific dates.
· They have spent three months or more in the United Kingdom from 1980-1996. However, UK time after Dec. 31, 1996, does not count against a person for donating.
· They have spent six months or more at a military installation in Europe from 1980-1996. However, UK time after Dec. 31, 1996, does not count against does not count as European time.
· They have lived in Europe for five years or more since Jan. 1, 1980. Except the UK after Dec. 31, 1996.

Individuals tattooed in the following states may be able to donate blood one week after acquiring the tattoo:
· Alabama
· Alaska
· Arkansas
· Delaware
· Hawaii
· Iowa
· Kansas
· Louisiana
· Maine
· Missouri
· Nebraska
· Oklahoma
· Rhode Island
· South Carolina
· Tennessee
· Texas
· Vermont
· Virginia
· West Virginia
· Wisconsin

Any states not listed have a one-year deferment for donating blood to the ASBP from the date the tattoo was acquired. Tattoos acquired outside of the U.S. also have a one-year deferral.

Individuals who wish to donate need to inform the receptionist of:
· The name of any medication they are taking or have taken in the past four weeks, including aspirin, birth control and antibiotics.
· Any immunizations, including smallpox, administered in the past four weeks.
· Every place they have been outside of the U.S. or Canada since 1980, including deployments.