DVIDS – News – USO Fort Campbell collects 30 models of blood for American Crimson Cross

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – Troopers, Households and civilians donated 30 models of blood July 12 throughout an American Crimson Cross drive hosted by USO Fort Campbell, which might save an estimated 60 sufferers’ lives at Blanchfield Army Neighborhood Hospital and different native services.

Ann Jarvis, government director, USO Fort Campbell/Nashville, stated the drive was successful and introduced the neighborhood collectively to make a distinction.

“We’re simply completely satisfied to have the ability to assist the American Crimson Cross,” Jarvis stated. “It’s an ideal alternative for everybody, and we’ve had individuals coming in for walk-ins in addition to appointments. I feel it’s superb that everybody is aware of it is a want and that they’re keen to donate.”

The American Crimson Cross sometimes sees a donor scarcity in the summertime as Households go on trip, in keeping with a launch from the group’s web site. However the necessity to distribute blood merchandise to hospitals is a continuing, stated Clif Redish, interim regional donor companies officer, American Crimson Cross Tennessee Valley Area.

“We companion with Blanchfield Army Neighborhood Hospital and ensure their native wants are met, as a result of summer time is a really difficult time for blood assortment merchandise,” stated Dudley Wagner, donor assets and improvement district supervisor, American Crimson Cross Tennessee Valley Area. “As soon as these native wants are met, we guarantee that space hospitals’ pressing wants are as nicely since neighborhood members typically journey exterior Fort Campbell.”

Sergeant Heidi Cottom, sixth Battalion, a hundred and first Aviation Regiment, a hundred and first Fight Aviation Brigade, a hundred and first Airborne Division (Air Assault), donated as a result of she is aware of firsthand how necessary blood merchandise will be in a hospital atmosphere.

“I labored in well being care earlier than the Army, so I’ve all the time tried to do my half and assist blood drives,” Cottom stated. “I donate every time I can, however I simply received again from Korea so I haven’t been in a position to donate for some time.”

She first donated blood about 15 years in the past, and Cottom was completely satisfied to see the turnout on the USO from her fellow Troopers.

“I feel having a drive like this makes it accessible to lots of people,” she stated. “Particularly right here on the USO the place there’s numerous younger Troopers that come by way of and wouldn’t give it some thought in any other case.”

Many Troopers made walk-in donations after stopping by the USO and studying concerning the drive, together with Pfc. Demario Grant, 1st Battalion, twenty sixth Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Fight Workforce, a hundred and first Abn. Div.

“I’m B optimistic, and there’s a sure plasma they’ll solely take from individuals with that blood kind that’s actually useful,” Grant stated. “I’d encourage everybody to donate blood not less than as soon as to get a really feel for it, have that sense of accomplishment and do a great deed for the day.”

Civilians additionally participated within the drive all through the day, together with USO Fort Campbell volunteer Monika Knighton.

“I used to be excited to offer blood as a result of I do know there’s an enormous scarcity, and I haven’t been in a position to donate the final couple of years as a result of I’ve had surgical procedures,” Knighton stated. “We’ve Troopers who exit within the subject and so they want our blood if one thing occurs to them. It’s good to know that we may help out, and hopefully we will get extra individuals to return out and assist too.”

Grant stated he wish to see extra Troopers, specifically, contribute to blood drives as a result of they’ll encourage Households and civilians to do the identical.

“We’re army, and other people see us because the frontline of all the pieces,” he stated. “Particularly relating to serving to out organizations just like the Crimson Cross … I feel this all performs an element in us being there to assist individuals around the globe.”