NRD Dallas Sailors Roll Up Their Sleeves for American Red Cross

IRVING, Texas (NNS) -- Sailors and civilian employees assigned to Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Dallas rolled up their sleeves for the command's American Red Cross Blood Drive, March 30 at the command's headquarters building in Irving.

A total of 23 Sailors participated in the blood drive, which was the second the command has held since September 2011.

According to the Red Cross, blood drives like this one are vital to maintaining the supply of donated blood nationwide. Blood supply levels throughout the country are so critical that if all donations ceased the Red Cross would be completely out of blood within two days.

"About 80 percent of the U.S. population are qualified to donate blood," said Red Cross Team Leader Jennifer Diaz. "However, only 20 percent actually contribute."

Each donation of a pint of blood can be used to save up to three lives, according the Red Cross. This is especially critical when a child needs a blood transplant. The average adult can have between 10 and 12 pints of blood in their system, but a newborn infant can have as little as one cup.

Blood donation is a safe and simple process; however there are steps potential donors should take before giving. Diaz said it is important for members to have a nutritious meal before donating as well as drinking plenty of fluids, preferably water.

"A good meal and fluids will help prevent individuals from feeling faint," Diaz said. "Although a lot of it can be psychological, they may just concentrate too much on the needle."

For the a few of the Sailors participating, the blood drive had a very personal meaning behind it.

"I lost a brother from kidney failure," said Builder 2nd Class Charles C. Robb. "So I try to give as often as I can."

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