HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Medical Squadron is hosting a blood drive June 24 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hanscom Chapel.
A mobile blood donor center from Massachusetts General Hospital will be onsite for Team Hanscom to make life-saving contributions. The process takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
“Many first-time donors are nervous about giving blood,” said Staff Sgt. Darragh Quinn, 66 MDS primary care noncommissioned officer in charge. “Instead, focus on the positive impact that your donation will have.”
Blood is needed every day by patients of all ages for life-saving treatment. Donations are used locally for patients at MGH, Mass General for Children, Spaulding Rehabilitation, Shriners Burn Hospital for Children, and Massachusetts Eye and Ear. One donation can save up to three lives.
According to Mass General, less than five percent of age-eligible people donate blood annually.
Minority donors are in especially high demand. During a transfusion, the transfused blood must match as closely as possible in type and antigen to the patient’s blood. Certain antigens are inherited from ancestors, so members of the same race and ethnicity are typically the best match.
O negative blood is always in demand and can be given to patients of all blood types.
“This is a substantial way to make a difference and contribute directly to the well-being of another person,” Quinn said. “When you donate blood, you are offering hope to the patient and their family during their most challenging time.”
Interested donors can sign up online via the Hanscom AFB mobile drive schedule. All participants receive snacks and a t-shirt following their donation.
Eligibility guidelines have recently changed. Those who were previously ineligible may now be able to donate.
Those who are unable to participate in Hanscom’s drive can find other Mass General blood drives that meet their needs.