Photo By Sgt. Alex Fairchild | U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Angelica Quiba, a medical laboratory technician with...... read more read more
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CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Service members from Marine Corps installations across Okinawa gathered at the USO to donate blood collected by the Armed Services Blood Bank on Camp Foster, March 8.
The Camp Foster USO hosted its first blood drive of 2021 with over 20 donors willing to contribute their blood. Each participant donated 450 milliliters of blood, producing a total of 10 pints estimated to assist 30 potential patients in need of a transfusion.
“Donors are an essential part to the mission readiness of the military,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Angelica Quiba, a medical laboratory technician with the ASBBC. “We are not simply collecting blood, we are saving the lives of patients in need. Every single donation makes a difference.”
Quiba, a native of San Diego, California, explained that since childhood, she has had a burning passion for making a difference in others’ lives. Since enlisting in the Navy as a hospital corpsman, she has been provided with opportunities to pursue her drive to help those in need as a laboratory technician assisting with blood donations.
Upon arrival, service members are screened through a medical questionnaire regarding their health and wellness history. The donors then undergo a physical evaluation, blood pressure measuring, body temperature, height, weight and blood iron level to certify their capability to donate. Additionally, samples of the donated blood are reserved for further testing prior to a patient transfusion.
“Like many others, I used to be afraid of needles and donating blood,” said Marine Corps Cpl. Justin Kirschner, a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer with Headquarters and Support Battalion. “I conquered my fear because I recognized there are people in need of my help. I want to give as much as I can, so I’ve set a personal goal to donate my blood three times this year.”
Once service members have been approved for donation, the process begins. First, the laboratory technician places a blood pressure cuff around the donor's arm. Then they hand them a stress ball to squeeze to increase blood circulation. This helps the technicians insert a needle into the arm vein for extraction. The procedure lasts about five minutes collecting 450 milliliters of blood.
Kirschner, a native of Tampa, Florida, explained that the warm and welcoming environment of the USO has created a sense of safety and encouragement to service members who make a contribution. He continued that the team of lab technicians who collected the blood were extremely professional and helpful to everyone who donated.
Following the contribution, donors are given refreshments and prompted to rest for 30 minutes to ensure proper recovery. Additionally, they are presented with a letter of appreciation to commemorate their contribution to the ASBBC and to patients in need.
“Throughout the whole process of donating, we take care of your every need,” said Quiba. “From the moment you walk in to donate until the moment you leave we ensure that the process is done quickly, accurately and comfortably. We are in the business of saving lives, and treat everyone with the utmost courtesy and respect.”
Since their first blood drive in 2017, the Camp Foster USO has received over 170 pints of blood donated. The combined contributions have the potential to help an estimated 522 patients in need of a transfusion. The next USO blood drive is slated to occur in May. For additional information visit https://okinawa.uso.org/usocampfoster.
“Giving in any form is one of the most important and fulfilling things we can do as people,” said Kirschner. “As a Marine, it is my duty to help others as often as I can. When I donate blood, I know that I am truly making a positive impact and saving lives.”
| Date Taken: | 03.08.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2021 17:59 |
| Story ID: | 390888 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 84 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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