Give blood at Pope March 6 Published Feb. 26, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Holly Todd 43rd Operations Support Squadron POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Pope is once again joining forces with the Soldiers of the Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center to collect a much needed supply of blood to send to our troops serving in the AOR and hospitalized at home. In accordance with military directives, the military is charged with providing our own blood supply. What does this mean? The Armed Services Blood Program can only conduct blood drives on military and DoD installations. Blood collected by any organization other than ASBP cannot be sent to the AOR or utilized by military hospitals. The Fort Bragg Blood Center's goal is to collect 550 pints per month. Although it may sound like considerable amount, it does not accurately depict the impact we could have if all eligible volunteers donated on a regular basis since 5 percent of the eligible donor population actually donates at least once per year. When this goal is not met, they must purchase the blood downtown at a cost of $250 per pint. Approximately 40 percent of the civilian population is ineligible to donate for various reasons. Add frequent travel and deployments to that equation, and the military's pool of eligible donor dramatically decreases. Tattoo deferrals have recently become more lenient and require as little as one week deferral depending on the state in which the tattoo was received. As Pope continues to downsize, so will the pool of eligible donors. To encourage continued support of this program, Col. Timothy Zadalis, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander recently approved PAFBI 44-105, Pope AFB Participation in the Regional Blood Military Program. At wing and squadron commander discretion and workload permitting, military and civilian donors are authorized up to four hours off to complete the donation process and for recuperation. Spouses and family members are encouraged to donate as well. The squadron of the active duty member will be given credit for donations by family members. Appointments to donate can now be made online at https://www.militarylifeforce.com/. Donors with appointments will be afforded priority throughout the processing line. The next blood drive will be held March 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Pope Club Ballroom. If you have any questions, contact the base blood program officer, 1st Lt. Kelly Stuart at 394-1683 or Staff Sgt. Holly Todd at 394-1680. Basic Eligibility Criteria: · Weigh at least 110 pounds · Be at least 17 years of age · Have been feeling well for at least three days · Be well hydrated · Have eaten something prior to donating Detailed information, to include travel restrictions can be found at http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Lifeforce/can_i_donate.aspx Finally, Pope is looking for ways to reward exceptional squadron and individual participation in the program. If any of the base professional organizations or spouses groups would like to assists, contact the POCs listed above.