Give more than thanks this year, give the gift of life Published Nov. 9, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Kristina Newton 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- It's the time of year when people hit the road for holiday fun with family and friends. But it's also a time of increased accidents, both in the home and on the road. To help alleviate some of the strain these accidents will cause to the Northwest Florida blood supply, the 1st Special Operations Medical Group will sponsor a blood drive Nov. 14 in the commissary parking lot from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Northwest Florida Blood Center will have two mobile donation centers on hand to accommodate as many eligible donors as possible. Their goal is to collect 100 units of whole blood in preparation for the holiday season. "We sponsor a blood drive about every two months, but this one needs to be huge since the holiday season traditionally sees an increase in the demand for blood products," said Capt. Mark Noon, 1st Special Operation Medical Operations Squadron laboratory services chief. "Whole blood has a shelf life of 42 days, so the blood collected at the drive will be good until Dec. 26." The blood collected will be used at local hospitals including Eglin Air Force Base, and each unit of blood has the potential to help three people. If the 1st SOMDG reaches its goal, 300 people could be helped. "You need to remember it isn't just strangers who will receive this gift of life, it's also people you work with everyday," he said. "You will also be helping the Air Force." The cost for a unit of blood is about $250, but Eglin has an agreement with Northwest Florida Blood Center. Captain Noon said they get a one-for-one exchange. This means they don't pay for the blood donated by people from Hurlburt Field or Eglin. "The Eglin hospital uses about 50 units of blood each month, which is a potential savings of $12,500," he said. To realize their goal of 100 units of blood, the 1st SOMDG will need about 140 donors to participate since not all donors will be able to complete the donation process. "There are certain requirements that need to be met in order to be an eligible donor," Captain Noon said. "But don't get discouraged. Come down and complete the screening process just to make sure." Even if someone isn't eligible, Captain Noon encourages them to bring a spouse or co-worker who is. "I'll even give them one of our T-shirts if they bring an eligible donor who completes the process," he said. An added bonus to this blood drive is the new car that will be given away by the Northwest Florida Blood Center in January. Everyone who donates will be entered into the drawing. There are many reasons people choose to donate blood. Some just like the free gifts; such as the T-shirts, water bottles and endless supply of snacks and drinks that will be provided at this month's blood drive. Others donate because they feel it applies to the golden rule. Maj. Tiffany Morgan, 1st Special Operations Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight commander, said she has been donating blood since she was 18 years old and continues to donate because it's so easy and has a big payoff. "I don't like needles, but I still do it," Major Morgan said. "If you were ever in an accident, wouldn't you hope someone cared enough to help you? You can save a life, it's that simple." Donors may pre-register for the blood drive by e-mailing mark.noon@hurlburt.af.mil. Appointments are scheduled every 15 minutes, and walk-ins are welcome but will be taken on an as-available basis. For more information, call Captain Noon at 881-3954.