FALLS CHURCH, Va. — When the average person hears “Armed Services Blood Program,” they likely think first about the men and women serving the U.S. military, both at home and
PERU In honor of Black History Month this February, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors, and especially those who have recovered from COVID-19, to give blood to honor the legacies of African Americans like Dr. Charles Drew. Drew, an African American surgeon, was the medical director of the first Red Cross blood bank in 1941. Drew’s research about the storage and shipment of blood plasma proved that blood could be stored for transfusions. Many of the processes he developed are still in use today. Blood donation appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
The Armed Services Blood Program is the military s only blood donor program for service members, their families, retirees, veterans, and local communities worldwide, helping those in critical need. Both whole blood and COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma from those who have recovered from COVID-19 remain in high demand. All 21 donor centers adhere to CDC guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
When it comes to the need for donated blood, soldiers on the battlefield understand. For Marines witnessing a member of their unit in danger of losing life or limb, it locks in quickly. They instinctively begin lining up to give because they see the human face behind the small needle sting and the hanging bag of blood.
As we move into a new year filled with new beginnings, people remain our number one priority. Taking care of our Soldiers, families and the communities who support us is
The nation is facing a blood donor shortage, and the Army is feeling the stress of this shortage.
The Robertson Blood Center, part of the Armed Services Blood Program and located on Fort Hood, is experiencing difficulty in meeting the needs of combatant commanders and medical treatment facilities for blood donations.
Blood donor centers around the globe have been compounded due to decreased donation over the holiday season, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancellations of blood drives and decreased individual donor turnout has greatly affected the amount of blood product available for those in need.
âAs the U.S. militaryâs official blood program, the Armed Services Blood Program always has a mission to stand ready for those on the front line and the home front,â Col. Audra Taylor, ASBP Division chief, said. âWe know that blood donations are mission critical to readiness.â