Photo By Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida | This graphic was created to encourage people to donate blood at the Armed Forces Blood...... read more read more
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – January marked National Blood Donor Month, a time to recognize and appreciate the generosity of blood donors across the country. While it is a time to raise awareness, the need for blood doesn’t disappear once January ends. As a vital hub for blood collection in support of military personnel, the Blood Donor Center at Keesler Air Force Base operates year-round to meet the ever-growing demand for blood.
The BDC plays an essential role in ensuring that the blood supply remains stable for troops around the world. The center collects, processes, and distributes blood to support downrange needs.
"The donor center's main mission is to supply the blood that's going downrange to our warfighters and into the medical units that are supporting our warfighters, wherever they are around the globe," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Ryan Comes, Keesler blood donor center officer in charge.
“As we send our troops to hazardous locations around the globe, we want to make sure that they have the right medical care and support if they're going to be in harm's way,” Comes emphasized. “A big part of that is to make sure they have blood products.”
Blood is perishable and must be replenished continually, he said. Red blood cells, for example, have a shelf life of only 42 days, which makes it crucial for the BDC to maintain a constant supply of blood donations. Historically, blood donations begin decreasing around the holidays and stay low through January, which is why the beginning of the year is a good opportunity to increase inventory again.
“Our weekly quota for the Armed Services Blood Program is how we measure our performance, and that is driven by the demand signal from the combatant commands,” Comes continued. “Every week we get an update on our compliance.”
In 2024, the BDC operated 182 blood drives, had close to 3,000 donors, and produced nearly 5,000 blood products. Those donations helped save the Department of Defense about $1 million.
While one-time donations are valuable, ongoing contributions from regular donors ensure that the center can meet the needs of patients consistently. Service members, veterans, and their families at Keesler play a vital role in this effort. With the support of the local community, the BDC can continue its mission of saving lives.
Getting involved in the blood donation process is easy, and there are several ways to contribute. Donating blood is a simple procedure that takes about an hour and can be done at BDC or at one of many regular blood drives held at Keesler and the Naval Construction Battalion Center.
The Armed Services Blood Donor Center at Keesler AFB is more than just a blood bank; it’s a lifeline that ensures service members and their families receive the care they need, no matter the circumstances. By donating blood or volunteering, you can make a real difference in someone’s life.
To donate blood, volunteer, or learn more about how you can help, visit the Blood Donor Center at Keesler or contact them at 228-376-6100.
| Date Taken: | 02.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.10.2025 14:44 |
| Story ID: | 490302 |
| Location: | BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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