Blood donors needed Published Aug. 17, 2006 By Senior Airman Stacia Zachary 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The U.S. military needs blood. When reserves reach a minimum capacity, the military must buy blood from local hospitals and blood centers. Blood can cost as much as $400 per pint. Many servicemembers have been turned away from blood drives in the past. However, many restrictions have been redefined or eliminated as threats no longer exist. "There are numerous restrictions placed on blood supply," said Army Maj. Audra Taylor, Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center. "We do have very strict guidelines but they are updated regularly. Many people assume they are ineligible when that is often no longer the case." Healthy adults, as a norm, are eligible to donate blood. There are, however, some reason why a person may be denied from donating blood either on a temporary basis or permanent one. "So many restrictions have been lifted that a lot of people do not know about," said Chief Master Sgt. Herb Hanson, 43rd Airlift Wing command chief. "In this day and age, anyone in the military has been exposed to something that prohibits them from donating blood. It's important to know that many people can actually give blood now." Deferral criteria, established by the Food and Drug Administration, was created for the protection of those donating blood and those receiving transfusions. "We are in the business of manufacturing a product," said Major Taylor. "In this case, patient safety must remain a top priority to ensure the blood we (are using) is the safest product possible. Although with time more restrictions are placed on the procedure but bans are also lifted, too." It is important to stay informed of the newest procedures and the latest requirements. Such deferral requirements are: Iraq Travel Deferral Potential exposure to leishmaniasis, a disease spread by sand flies, means that those who have traveled to Iraq will be ineligible to donate blood for one year after their return. Mad Cow Deferral Much attention has been focused on the deferral of blood donors who may have been exposed to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), commonly known as Mad Cow Disease. Though many people who were stationed in Europe must now be deferred, many others who served in this area may still be eligible. Being in Europe during specific years and for extended lengths of time are the main things to consider when evaluating whether or not you are eligible to donate. Potential donors will be deferred if they have: --Traveled or resided in the United Kingdom from 1980 through 1996 for a cumulative period of three months or more. --Been affiliated with the Department of Defense (DoD) and been stationed in Europe from 1980 through 1996 for a cumulative period of six months or more. --Traveled or resided in Europe from 1980 to present for a cumulative period of five years (applies to DoD personnel on or after January 1, 1997). --Received a transfusion in the United Kingdom since 1980. --Received bovine insulin produced in the United Kingdom since 1980. Other Deferrals There are reasons other than potential vCJD exposure that may cause donors to be deferred, however, many people who think they will be deferred may be eligible to donate blood. Not all medical conditions disqualify a person from donating. Some common reasons for deferral are listed below along with indications as to how long a person should refrain from donating. More specific deferral criteria will be added as this site is developed further. You should not donate blood if you: -- Have donated blood within the last 55 days. --Have had your ears or any other part of your body pierced in the past 12 months. --Have recieved a tattoo or a brand within the past 12 months. -- Have had an immunization recently (deferral times vary from two weeks to one year, depending on the vaccine). -- Are taking certain medications -- most medications do not disqualify donation. Call your local blood donor center to verify eligibility. -- Do not feel well. -- Have a low hemoglobin, or iron, level. This will be tested before you donate blood. You may donate as soon as your level meets the minimum criteria. --Do not weigh at least 110 pounds. --Have traveled to or visited a malaria endemic area in the last 12 months. A list of malaria endemic areas is available at your local blood donor center. -- Have uncontrolled hypertension. This condition will be tested before you donate blood. You may donate blood as soon as your blood pressure meets the required criteria). -- Have a cold, flu or flu-like symptoms. You are eligible to donate once you have been feeling better for three consecutive days. --Are pregnant -- you may donate blood again six weeks after delivery. Although there are several reasons a servicemember cannot donate blood, it is important to remember that there are plenty of reasons eligible people should donate. A person can give to the Armed Services Blood Program at the Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center located at 8-2807 Scott St., Fort Bragg (across from the Firestone). They also conduct mobile blood drives at Womack Army Medical Center, Pope AFB and throughout Fort Bragg. Call ahead to ensure that the donor team is in-house. The Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Linda Ellerbe or Army Staff Sgt. Donald Gillat 396-9925 or 432-8684. (Information courtesy of the Cape Fear Medical Hospital)