Helping others with a blood donation

Published Sept. 7, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Rojek
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The Department of Defense's Armed Services Blood Bank Center will host a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Osan Chapel Annex here.

The ASBBC has not been to Korea since 2004, but is making stops at Osan, Yongsan and Camp Humphreys this year.

The blood bank center, located in Okinawa, Japan, is the sole source of blood products for the entire U.S. Pacific Command's 18 medical treatment facilities.

"The blood products that the ASBBC collects are routinely shipped throughout Japan, Korea, Guam, Hawaii and numerous ships throughout the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility," said Tracy Parmer, U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa blood donor recruiter.
However, she said, the number of individuals who can give blood has been lessened due to various deployments throughout the Asia-Pacific region to include Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It's important for those who are eligible to take time to give blood - to give a part of their life to save another," said Ms. Parmer.

While it is important to give, there are certain restrictions that will defer a potential donor. Deferral criteria include having been to Iraq within one year, having visited any area north Seoul - including a DMZ tour - within the past 24 months, or having had a tattoo or brand within the past 12 months.

For more information on eligibility requirements, visit the ASBBC Web site at http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/okinawa/caneye.htm.