57th Wing saves lives with blood drive Published March 18, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Jason Couillard 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 57th Wing hosts a blood drive at outdoor recreation March 22, and the unit is hoping for max participation from people here. According to America's Blood Centers, one pint of donated blood can save up to three lives. "Donated blood is used for all sorts of patients in the Las Vegas area. It is used to help save women who have complications during childbirth, patients with cancer, children with Sickle Cell Disease, accident victims, patient undergoing certain kinds of surgeries, and it also supports our patients here at the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Medical Center," said Maj. Karen Buikema, 99th Medical Group chief of clinical laboratory operations. The 57th WG blood drive could be considered perfect timing. There is always a critical need for donor blood within the Las Vegas community. "Blood has a very short shelf life. A donated unit of blood is only good for up to 42 days, and some donated blood products, like platelets, are only good for five days. The need to keep a steady supply coming in is very critical," Buikema said. Whole blood is the most common form of blood donation. The process takes approximately one hour, which includes the interview, donation, and refreshments. Certain restrictions apply for donating blood, but the basic qualifications include: Must be 16 years or older for whole blood donation Must be at least 110 pounds Must wait at least 56 days before donating again. For donors younger than 23, height, weight, and medical restrictions can be found at http://www.unitedbloodservices.org. To schedule an appointment please log on to www.bloodhero.com and use sponsor code: Nellis , you will need to create a log-in, or call Staff Sgt. Donald Arthur at (702) 652-1661. If anyone wishes to donate and cannot make the blood drive, call the local community blood center or call the Mike O' Callaghan Federal Medical Center at 702-653-2838.
