Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 2 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2 hosted an Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) blood drive at the CRG 2 headquarters on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Aug. 29.

The ASBP brought a mobile collection unit, a specially outfitted vehicle that allows the ASBP to bring the blood collection facility and equipment to service members to make blood donation as simple as possible.

"We can never have enough donors," said Hospitalman Mercedez Stout, assigned to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. "The blood we draw goes all around the world to help service members and their dependents, and it only takes a few minutes to donate. Just a few minutes of your time can save up to three people."

Before donating, there are some guidelines Sailors should review:

* Weigh at least 110 pounds
* Be at least 17 years of age (age may vary by state; contact your local ASBP blood donor center for details)
* Have been feeling well for at least three days
* Be well hydrated
* Have eaten something prior to donating

"I donate whenever I can, because you never know how your blood can help save a life," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Nina Woods, assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron 2. "It only takes a few minutes. Considering how the blood bank comes to you, it's hard to say that you don't have the time to donate. The most important thing for me is that it could be a shipmate, a Soldier or a service member out there who is putting his or her life on the line that might need my help. If I can do just a small part to help, it makes it worth it."

The ASBP is the official blood collection, manufacturing and transfusion program for the U.S. military. The mission of the ASBP is to provide quality blood products and services for all worldwide customers in both peace and war. As a tri-service organization, the ASBP represents all three services - Army, Navy and Air Force - and is tasked with the collection, processing, storage and distribution of blood and blood products to ill or injured service members, veterans and their families worldwide. The program manages blood requests from the five major combatant commands by directing available blood supplies when and where needed.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.