Red Cross recruits Malmstrom blood donors

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon White
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Malmstrom team members donated blood during a monthly American Red Cross blood drive held in the lower gym of the fitness center Sept. 18. 

Forty-two units, or pints, of blood were collected from donors surpassing September's goal of 35 units. 

"American Red Cross comes to Malmstrom every month," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Klopfenstein, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron facilities flight superintendent and donation coordinator. "Next month's goal is 50 units of blood which will mainly go to Benefis Hospital [in Great Falls, Mont.] and is used for both military and civilian patients." 

Donors are given a health questionnaire, a blood pressure test and a temperature reading before donating. After the blood is drawn and tested for diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis, it is separated into different components and distributed to hospitals for a variety of uses, said Colleen Finch, American Red Cross donor specialist. 

"Blood will be used locally first, but if it is not used here it will go to hospitals in Utah, Idaho or Washington," Ms. Finch said. "Red blood cells can be used for cancer patients, trauma victims and premature babies who require repeated foot pricks for blood analysis or require surgical procedures." 

According to the American Red Cross, every blood type is needed at all times and one donation can save more than one life. Blood is drawn using a new sterile needle and takes approximately 10 minutes to collect a pint of blood. The average person has 10 to 12 pints of blood in their body. Blood volume will return to normal after 24 hours and red cells will regenerate in a few weeks. People can donate blood every 56 days. 

The American Red Cross accepts walk-ins; however, it is preferable to make an appointment by calling the American Red Cross at 727-2212, or people can visit their Web site at www.givelife.org. 

For more information, call Sergeant Klopfenstein at 731-3889. 

Appointments for donations are from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 18.