The University of Virginia’s ROTC programs are looking for blood donors to support the military.

They will host a blood drive on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Newcomb Hall Ballroom, with a team from the Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center collecting blood to be used for the military in its medical centers. All blood types are welcome, although types AB and O are in the most demand. Walk-in donations are welcome; however, donors are encouraged to make an appointment using an online registration system.

“The military can only run drives at military-affiliated locations, and then must make up for the deficit in donations by purchasing pints of blood from civilian hospitals,” said Army Cadet Lauren Odegaard, a fourth-year student in the School of Nursing. “This drive is a great opportunity to give back to soldiers, veterans and their families, in recognition of the sacrifices they have made. Donating blood at this drive will go toward saving a life of someone who is willing to give his or her life, and it is a great way to say, ‘Thank you.’”

While all three ROTC units —U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force — at the University are contributing to running the drive, Odegaard said the Army cadets are organizing it. This is the third year UVA Army ROTC is hosting the military blood drive.

“Cadet Kaitlyn McQuade, now 1st Lt. Kaitlyn McQuade, started this blood drive four years ago after giving blood at a summer training event and learning that it is very difficult for the military to run drives,” Odegaard said. “I would like the Military Blood Drive to continue to be an annual event and contribution by the UVA community.”

The basic requirements to donate blood are:

•    Have not donated blood previously within the last eight weeks
•    Weigh at least 110 pounds
•    Be at least 17 years of age 
•    Have been feeling well for at least three days prior to donating
•    Be well hydrated
•    Have eaten something prior to donating
•    Have picture ID
•    Know when and where you have traveled
•    Be able to list the types of medications currently being taken 

For a detailed list of deferrals, or reasons why a person may not be able to donate, please visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil.

Since 1962, the Armed Services Blood Program has served as the sole provider of blood for the United States military. The Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center is one of more than 20 blood donor centers it operates worldwide.