JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
The Armed Services Blood Bank Center of San Antonio hosted a blood drive at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph’s Kendrick Club July 9, and while the event had been scheduled in advance, it gained new significance following the recent flooding in the Texas Hill Country.
Although the drive was not organized in direct response to the flooding, its timing proved beneficial. Military medical facilities, including JBSA-Lackland's Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and JBSA-Fort Sam Houston's Brooke Army Medical Center, often experience low blood supply during summer months, according to the center.
Among those who turned out to donate was Rene Ramos from the 575th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He said the flooding motivated him to take part.
“I donate blood every three to four months at the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, but I have a friend in Kerrville, and I wanted to come out and donate here on base,” Ramos said.
The donations will directly support service members, veterans and their families. Officials from the ASBP encouraged participation from across the JBSA community, noting that all blood types are needed.
“Blood donations play a vital role in emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatments and more,” said Tracy Parmer, ASBP donor recruiter. “Type O-negative blood is particularly valuable due to its universal compatibility, but all blood types are needed.”
Parmer reminded donors to stay hydrated, eat beforehand and bring a valid photo ID. While walk-ins were welcome, appointments were encouraged to manage turnout.
“The Armed Services Blood Program provides critical support both locally and globally for our military members and VA beneficiaries,” Parmer said. “Every day, we work together with other ASBP donor centers to collect blood and save lives, ensuring we’re always prepared to respond to any emergency.”
For more information or to schedule a donation, visit https://www.asbpd.com/. The JBSA-Lackland Blood Donor Center is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, at 2430 Ladd St., building 3425. The Akeroyd Blood Donor Center at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston is located at 3100 Schofield Road, open for donations from 5-10 a.m. Monday through Friday, and people can visit www.signupgenius.com/findasignup and enter ABDC to schedule an appointment.