Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ashley Thompson (right) and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Irena Gadegbeku pose for a photo during the COVID-19 era. (Courtesy of HM2 Ashley Thompson.)
Donating blood remains very safe, even during the COVID-19 era, according to Strecker. “The need for blood is always there. We have all taken special precautions to ensure donors feel safe and comfortable while in our building.”
“Find your local blood donation center, get a few friends together and go donate! If you have never donated before, find out if you CAN donate, and donate at least once,” advised Thompson, who’s donated at least nine times in her military career. “If you can donate more, keep going! Saving lives one donation at a time is something you can hold onto forever. If you cannot donate for any reason, spread the word to others who can! It all makes an impact.”
“The need for blood never goes away, added Strecker. “There is not a synthetic replacement for blood, and the only way to receive it is through volunteer donors.”
The ASBP is a tri-Service organization, meaning there are Navy, Air Force and Army donor centers supporting all our Services, collecting whole blood and plasma at locations all over the world.
These blood products support contingency operations, military medical treatment facilities, and Veterans Administration medical centers across the globe. Strecker added, “It is important for our donors to know that when they donate with us they are saving the life a fellow service member, family member, or veteran.”
“I am a United States Navy Hospital corpsman, my job is to help others and save lives,” expounded Thompson, “So this is just another way I can do that, for those who was in desperate need of blood.”
To learn more about donating blood to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines check out the Armed Service Blood Program webpage, and to find out if there is a blood donor center near you, check their maps.