Photo By Tech. Sgt. Zoe Russell | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nicole Yeates, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron,...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Members of Team Charleston rolled up their sleeves to donate blood Feb. 12, 2020, Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
The American Red Cross partners with the base to hosts monthly blood drives at the Charleston Fitness and Sports Center. The donation process takes less than one-hour total, and all collections are distributed to medical centers in the local community. On average, each blood drive on Joint Base Charleston attracts between 30-40 walk-in donors. Alyson Kirkland, the American Red Cross certified phlebotomist, says her team has the capabilities to process more donations and encourages anyone interested to come to the gym.
“The importance is because people are in need. Whether it’s a car accident or illness, one pint of blood can help up to three people,” said Kirkland.
Kirkland recommends anyone planning to donate during next month’s blood drive be well hydrated and have eaten prior to arriving, in order to prevent low iron levels or discomfort.
“Once they get over to the phlebotomy area, if [donors] haven’t eaten or are dehydrated, a lot of them start to feel nauseous and dizzy,” warned Kirkland.
One donor, Senior Airman Nicole Yeates, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said she was happy to donate blood and help the cause.
“It’s my first time donating. You don’t feel any blood leaving your body, but you feel a little prick at the beginning. It’s not bad at all,” said Yeates. “If I can donate blood and save [lives], let’s go for it!”
Kirkland said its working with people like Senior Airman Yeates that make her job worthwhile.
“It’s rewarding working for the Red Cross. All the donors are here on the volunteer basis, so they really care,” said Kirkland.
The next blood drive will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. March 11, 2020, at the Charleston Fitness and Sports Center.
| Date Taken: | 02.12.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.20.2020 13:19 |
| Story ID: | 363510 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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