Representatives from the Puget Sound Blood Center came to Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), Bangor to collect blood from military members,
retirees, and DoD civilians during a blood drive at the base chapel, June 18.
According to Sally Gray from the Puget Sound Blood Center, representatives travel around western Washington, collecting blood to
support the community.
“We need to collect up to 900 units a day in western Washington to meet the needs of the community,” said Gray. “Our job is to come
out here in the community to get blood, get it to our lab, get it processed and be ready for use.”
The Puget Sound Blood Center regularly travels to NBK to include Keyport and Bangor, as well as the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in
Bremerton.
“The military has supported us, and of course, we support the military with supplying blood,” said Gray.” If the military were to ask
us for extra units, we would be more than happy to supply that. It’s important because this is a big part of our community.”
Gray said that before a donor can give blood, they are first registered and screened. Medical questions regarding vaccinations,
medical history, and high-risk behavior are asked, to prevent the possibility of spreading AIDS or HIV.
The potential donor receives a mini-physical which involves blood pressure, temperature, and measuring hemoglobin. A technician
visually inspects the arms to make sure there are no rashes or anything that would prevent use of the arms.
Once the potential donor passes the physical, they are taken to the donor area, where a technician collects 620 grams, or a little
more than one pint, of blood from the donor. Gray said the collection takes from seven to 15 minutes, then the donor is bandaged,
allowed to rest for ten minutes, then is directed to the canteen area for food and beverages.
“Donating blood technically dehydrates you, so it’s really important to get the fluid level back up,” said Gray. “The food and drinks
available helps to get the sugar and fluid level back up as quickly as possible. You feel much better faster and won’t have any problems.”
According to Gray, blood collected is taken back to their laboratory in Renton, where it is tested and the blood type is determined. It is
then divided into three parts including red cells, platelets and plasma. Gray said that one unit of blood can help up to three people.
Gray is grateful for the support the military gives, which helps keep the blood bank a success.
“We collect a lot of military units throughout the year,” said Gray. “The service members are one of our biggest donors. Since we are
based out of the Silverdale area, the military is a big contributor to our blood supply. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Sailors who were on hand to donate blood were proud to give back to their community.
“I try to donate every time I’m eligible,” said USS Ohio (SSGN 726) (Gold) Chief of the Boat, Command Master Chief Mitch Earhart.
“I’ve been in Washington for two years and this is the fourth time I’ve donated with these guys. It’s convenient and it doesn’t cost
me anything. It’s a small price to pay to give blood for someone else.”