New headquarters, new year, new blood drive

"It was a great turnout for our first event. Twelve percent of our employees here in Jacksonville donated," said Capt. Mark Jackson, NAVFAC Southeast executive officer. "Volunteering comes from the heart and our employees continue to show their passion for helping others."

Employees who donated blood had a variety of motivating factors for participating.

"I have a co-worker who had cancer and was taking chemotherapy," said Al Sanderlin, NAVFAC Southeast management analyst. "I learned that blood transfusions may become part of his therapy and that my donations could be made in his name for his usage."

"I like to donate blood and it was very convenient having the blood drive right next door to our office," said Sue Romanelli, NAVFAC Southeast paralegal. "I've been donating for about 20 years now, and I would tell a first-time donor not to hesitate because it's for a good cause and it really doesn't hurt."

"I never really thought about how critical the need for blood in our community could be," said Annalisa Cachin, NAVFAC Southeast public affairs specialist and a first-time blood donor. "I wasn't planning on giving blood today until I learned about where our blood goes and how our blood is used. I realized that somebody's life in my very own community could depend on the donation I made."

When blood is collected, it is processed for its red cells, platelets and plasma. The red cells are used in surgeries like liver transplants or for victims of automobile accidents who have lost a lot of blood. The platelets, which must be used within five days from the time of collection, are given to cancer patients who have low platelet counts due to certain treatments or illnesses. The plasma, among some of its uses, restores liquid to the body in burn patients.

"Sixty percent of people in the community are eligible, but only about three percent actually donate," said Catherine Hood, a Blood Alliance phlebotomist.

There could be a number of reasons for such a low percentage of donorsnot knowing where or how to donate, what to expect during the process or how much of an impact a simple donation could make.

The process takes less than an hour, including time to fill out paperwork, get a quick physical, have the blood drawn and enjoy some refreshments. Three people benefit from every whole blood donation (the standard type of donation) and two people benefit from every ALYX donation (a process that allows for a double donation of red blood cells).

NAVFAC Southeast employees donated a total of 63 units of blooda great start for what they hope to make a frequent event at their command.