Saving lives one pint at a time

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Bainter
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD Fla. --  The 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron needs your help to save lives, and is hosting a blood drive in the 1st SOCES readiness parking lot 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday.

The blood donated goes to 25 hospitals in Northwest Florida, including the hospital on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. In addition, the blood donated in this area goes to one of seven hubs that provide blood for military operations.

Each unit of blood can save up to three lives or the lives of six infants, according to Betty Roberts, the public relations manager with One Blood. One in nine hospital patients will need blood while in the hospital.

Donors are required to be 16 years of age with parental consent or 18 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and have photo identification.

Each donor who gives blood will receive discount coupons for a local steak restaurant. People who donate blood twice between June 1 and Sept. 30 will receive a voucher for a free steak dinner.