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Saving lives through donations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Diana M. Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  A pint of blood can potentially save up to three lives, and on Dec. 12, donors from Team Shaw donated enough blood to possibly save a total of 102 lives.

Forty-five potential donors volunteered for the blood drive for the local American Red Cross, said Staff Sgt. Morteo, 20th Civil Engineering Squadron geobase technician. 

"Only three percent of the eligible population donates and the American Red Cross is always in need of blood," said Morteo. 

It normally takes less than an hour to donate. Eligible volunteers can donate once every 56 days, or up to six times a year.

"All types are in demand, but O+, O-, A- and B- are in high demand," said Morteo. "With the recent storms and bad weather, more than 120 blood drives have been canceled resulting in an estimated 4,300 pints of uncollected blood and platelet donations."

The blood drives on base are typically every three months. The American Red Cross website lists all of the drives in the area as well as the ones on base.

"I believe people should donate blood to save lives, give back to their community, and to feel good about helping others," said Morteo.

Staff Sgt. Johnathon DeRosia, 20th Operation Support Squadron air traffic watch supervisor, and his wife, Brigette, donated together.

"We try to go every chance we get," said DeRosia.

Dec. 12, marked their six-month anniversary, not just from when they last donated blood, but also when they got married. DeRosia said that they enjoy donating blood together and decided that since they donated right before their wedding six months ago, they would donate again on their anniversary.

The American Red Cross suggests volunteers should prepare to donate by eating a healthy meal and drinking plenty of water. Volunteers should also make sure they have photo identification and a list of any medication with them when donating.

Someone in America needs blood every two seconds. The American Red Cross needs more donors in order to meet the demand of local hospitals, which they supply.

Another blood drive sponsored by the 20th Contracting Squadron will take place Dec. 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the squadron parking lot.

For more information about becoming a sponsor or coordinator of a blood drive, contact Jessica Garrett at (803) 622-3857 or Jessica.Garrett@redcross.org.