NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- On Tuesday, July 19, 2016, The American Red Cross held a blood drive at the chapel annex here. Red Cross employees and volunteers began setting up at 9 a.m. for military members, civilians and contractors who wanted to donate time and blood.
“I’ve donated a couple of gallons of blood,” said Master Sgt. Doug Kalota, crew chief, 914thAircraft Maintenance Squadron. “I’ve seen the people on the other end that need it and I’d hope that they’d do the same for me and my family if we needed it.”
Each pint of blood that was donated will help as many as two individuals, said Jay Cannata, a phlebotomist with the Red Cross. Cannata said they received 18 useable units of blood from donations.
Even though there were more than 20 people who signed up or walked in to donate, not everyone was eligible to contribute due to restrictions. These restrictions vary from time spent in another country or if the individual’s vital signs or health statistics don’t meet criteria. Sometimes a person’s veins stop giving blood and the acceptable amount isn’t met.
The next blood drive on base will be Tuesday, September 20, 2016. For more information on how you can donate or if you would like to volunteer, more information can be found at www.redcross.org or by contacting the Airman and Family Readiness office at 716-236-2097.