NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

By: Denise Adams

NASA Langley and the American Red Cross worked together to collect over 150 gallons of blood Wednesday at the Reid Conference Center.

Image Right: Michelle Dunnigan from the Red Cross preps Steve Jones, electronic technician, to donate blood. Jones has donated a total of nine gallons of blood to the Red Cross. Credit: Sean Smith

The Red Cross visits the center every 56 days. The time is based on the frequency at which people can donate blood and the number of potential donors at at NASA Langley. "It takes 46 days to regenerate new blood," explained Donna Freet, a registered nurse from the NASA Langley clinic.

The Red Cross loves to visit because, based on the time frame, NASA Langley donates more blood than any other organization on the peninsula.

Alek Collins, the Red Cross account manager, explained, "We desperately need blood donations before the holidays, and it is huge that we can count on NASA Langley the day before Thanksgiving." He added that the donations at NASA Langley are "constant and regular."

It's why, the Red Cross will be back at NASA Langley in 56 days for more blood.

NASA Langley Research Center
Managing Editor: Jim Hodges
Executive Editor and Responsible NASA Official: H. Keith Henry
Editor and Curator: Denise Adams