Giving blood?

[DesertCaliMom]

DS has been giving blood/donating triple platelets since he turned 15. Every 2 weeks the vampires pull out his platelets and help children and cancer patients since he has a rare immunity to a virus that can put those groups at risk. He drags a new friend to donate with him every 2 months, too!

Do mids get the chance to donate with any regularity?

 

[Capt MJ]

This made me laugh out loud, with memories of many a command blood drive, Operation Vampire or VAMPIREX. "EX" means military exercise, and all kinds of things can be an EX.

The answer is oh yes.

My first introduction to military blood drives was when extra hours of off-base liberty were offered at OCS if 100% of the company donated. I don't think that happens anymore, but there will be opportunities.

He should hang on to his blood starting a certain period of time before I-Day!

 

[BDHuff09]

Yes, there are a few blood drives during the year that are run by the ASBP. They are in mitscher and usually go for a few days at a time. I can't say how many there are a year (I never do them because I tend to pass out giving blood), but my guess would be a couple times a semester. I do know that there is a competition blood drive with USMA leading up to the A/N game because they always announce the winner during one of the time outs.

 

[DesertCaliMom]

Oh he will love this.

And he only gives blood during off seasons since the missing RBCs hurt during any sports and conditioning. He switched to platelets since they recover faster and help more people, and he gets a 2-3 hour nap on the apheresis machine! Anything for a nap and a snack... or more liberty. Hah!

 

[USMCGrunt]

Donation needs to be balanced with the physical demands one will face. Can't comment on USNA opportunities, but when I was active duty we had regular blood drives (they were "mandatory" but that is another story). Also, depending upon where you have been stationed or traveled, you may be ineligible to donate for some time (malaria countries for instance).

 

[DesertCaliMom]

Donation needs to be balanced with the physical demands one will face. Can't comment on USNA opportunities, but when I was active duty we had regular blood drives (they were "mandatory" but that is another story). Also, depending upon where you have been stationed or traveled, you may be ineligible to donate for some time (malaria countries for instance).

Absolutely balanced! His first donation of whole blood took a good two weeks to fully recover for the rigors of 3 hour morning weight room and 4 hours of 95 degree football conditioning. Lesson learned.