Blood donation at Hill AFB Jan. 24

  • Published
  • By Mary Lou Gorny
  • Hilltop Times Editor
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  "Giving blood saves lives. Blood donated only lasts 42 days," said Capt. Joel Murphy, A-10 Program manager, and one of two Hill AFB blood donor program managers.

To make the process as convenient as possible this January, an opportunity to sign up online has been arranged.

There are a certain number of donation slots available for that day, Jan. 24, and Murphy is encouraging Team Hill to step up and make sure they are filled.

Donations will be taken from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Bldg. 568

While the number of donation slots this month is static, the number of slots are set to increase greatly. Plans are already under way to accommodate more donors in February.

Murphy believes Team Hill can support this and hopes to increase the number of donors per month to 120. Donation times would expand as this becomes sustainable to allow for different shifts to participate on the same day.

To donate, please click here and select a time slot. Murphy notes that you do not need to register an account with the online service in order to be able to sign up.

The site reports that it does not share email accounts with other services; however, if you don't want to enter your email account please email or call Murphy at joel.murphy@us.af.mil or 801-775-2750.

Keep in mind, that when you donate blood you make it possible for area hospitals and other medical facilities to help those who need only what you can supply.

Murphy reports that one-third of all donations given at Hill AFB are made available to the base.

Preparing to donate
  • Eat a healthy, low-fat breakfast or meal within four hours prior to donating.
  • Drink plenty of water or other fluids throughout the day.
  • Bring a photo ID or donor card from previous donations.
  • Avoid heavy lifting or exercise for five hours after donation.
At the donor site

Identification will be requested. Please plan for 60 minutes for the entire process. It take only 5-15 minutes for the actual blood draw.

The majority of time includes preliminary health checks such as vital signs and blood iron level check, and completing a health history questionnaire.

For more information, contact Capt. Joel Murphy at 801-775-2750.