BREMERTON, Wash. –
The Armed Services Blood Program has been collecting and providing blood for America’s service members since 1952. Originally started by President Harry S. Truman in 1952, ASBP became a fully operational program in 1962.
As the official blood program for the U.S. military, the mission of the ASBP has been to provide quality blood products and support for military health care operations worldwide by providing safe blood to active-duty service members, veterans and military family members in need.
It is one of four organizations — alongside the American Red Cross, America's Blood Centers, and Blood Centers of America – that work together to maintain a safe blood supply for the US. All four organizations collaborate during emergencies and humanitarian efforts to ensure safe blood gets to those who need it.
For nearly a decade, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility has supported the program by holding monthly blood drives.
“We are proud to support the ASBP and their mission,” said Kenzie Harris, PSNS & IMF blood program coordinator, Code 1102, Administrative Resources. “As government employees, we already support service members, but this is another way we can help.”
During 2025, the shipyard will continue to support the ASBP by holding a blood drive the first Wednesday of every month, on the first floor of Building 850A, in Room 160.
February’s collection date was canceled due to inclement weather, but employees came out in force March 5. Service members and civilian phlebotomists from Joint Base Lewis McCord, Washington, assigned to The Armed Services Blood Bank Center-Pacific Northwest at Madigan Army Hospital were on hand to draw blood.
“I’m hoping it will help people who need it,” said Richard Chavez, steam plant instructor, Code 900T, Workforce Training and Development. “It’s not hurting me to give. I’ve got extra!”
The March blood drive ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and was open to any PSNS & IMF employee qualified to donate. Donors were treated to refreshments and snacks after their donations. At the end of the day, 50 PSNS & IMF employees were able to donate; contributing 40 units of useable blood.
In 2024, PSNS & IMF employees contributed 452 units of useable blood. The collections in the beginning of 2025 started slowly with February’s donation date canceled due to snow, but March’s contributions give Harris hope that 2025’s donations will exceed last years.
The success of the March blood drive comes at a crucial time. According to the American Red Cross, each blood donation can save up to three lives, making events like this vital to maintaining a robust and healthy blood supply. Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
“I’ve been giving blood since I was 18,” said Patrick McIlhagga, electronics instructor, Shop 67, Electronics Technicians. “I always ask people in my shop if they will come bleed with me. It’s important because it saves lives. For me, it’s not a big deal to take a few minutes out of my day to do some good for others. As long as I’m able, I’ll keep doing it."