Blood donation: Find the hero in you Published May 19, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Dan Gage 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The United Blood Services of Cheyenne is looking to increase the number of donations they see in the local community, including donations from military members. In addition to blood and plasma donations taken on base in the Fall Hall Community Center, United Blood Services is hoping to see an increase in the donation of platelets, a procedure which can only be done at the facility located at 112 East 8th Ave in Cheyenne. According to the United Blood Services, during a platelet donation a machine separates platelets out of the whole blood before returning the red cells and remaining blood products to the donors. "We're able to target specific products from specific donors at the center in Cheyenne," said Lisa Moellenkamp, United Blood Services donor recruitment manager. "There's an added time commitment on the part of the donor when coming to the center. "They could be donating for up to two hours, depending on their platelet count," Ms. Moellenkamp added. "But this allows us to get one, two or three products from one donation, and a more specific product based on our current needs." Platelet donations from the United Blood Services of Cheyenne go primarily to cancer patients, specifically those in the Rocky Mountain region of Wyoming, Montana and western Nebraska, according to Ms. Moellenkamp. The Cancer Program at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center was recently granted a three-year accreditation with commendation by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. This accreditation, along with the short shelf life of platelets causes an increased need for donors, said Molly Stroud, United Blood Services donor recruitment representative. "Plasma can be stored for up to a year before being used," added Ms. Stroud. "Platelets are only good for five days after the donation." Donations for platelets can be made as often as every seven days, according to United Blood Services, no more than 24 donations can be made in a year. "I'm proud of what I do to protect my country and donating helps to save lives every day," said Staff Sgt. Patrice Claxton, 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron, a donor since 2006 who makes a platelet donation every four weeks. "It makes me feel complete." "Cancer is very prevalent anywhere you go," added Sergeant Claxton. "Imagine if it were someone in your family in need." For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Cheyenne United Blood Services, call 638-3326 or visit their website at http://www.bloodhero.com.