Giving blood, saving lives
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Grace Gibony, a phlebotomist for the Community Blood Center monitors Maj. Ryan Girrbach, 509th Medical Group, as he gives blood at the community activities center July 19. The Community Blood Center distributes 550 pints of blood a day to more than 70 hospitals in the area. Blood is tested within 24 hours of donation and sent to a hospital within 48 hours. It has a shelf life of 42 days. Blood collected by the Community Blood Center is used within five days of collection, according to Carolyn Garner, a Community Blood Center representative. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stephen Linch)