About the Program
From our establishment 70 years ago as a joint field operating agency in 1952 under President Harry Truman and becoming a fully operational blood program by 1962, the ASBP was a distinct program by the time the Vietnam War started, ready to support the military's blood product needs. Our decades long mission of providing lifesaving support for our warfighters carries on today.
Learn About Donating
New to Donating
First time donating? Check out the Be a Donor page to learn all about the process.
Ability to Donate
Are you eligible? Some recent international travel or certain activities may require you to wait.
Donate Blood Now
Check out the Donation Centers page to find your nearest ASBP donation center.
The Need is Constant
Blood and blood products are used for patients of all ages for many reasons. From cancer patients to those with battlefield injuries, military members and their families depend on blood donors every day. Your donation can save:
- A service member injured in action
- A child with cancer
- A family member in need of heart surgery
It's easy to save lives! By committing to give blood at least once a season, you help ensure that blood is available when it is needed most.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more FAQs, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Find information about the 2023 FDA update to the Individual Donor Assessment Screening in the Individual Donor Assessment Screening FAQs.
What to bring to my appointment?
To help the donation process run smoothly, please bring the following documents with you to your donation:
- Photo identification
- A list of all foreign travel history since 1980
- A list of medications and immunizations taken in the past eight weeks
It is also important to make sure you have eaten something prior to your donation, are well-hydrated, and have been feeling well for at least three days.
Can civilians donate to the ABSP?
Yes! Civilians are indeed able to donate blood at one of our centers or blood drives provided the donor can access the donor center or the location of the blood drive.
All of our blood donor centers are located on military installations, and we conduct drives only on federally owned or leased properties per DOD policy.
Where does my donation go?
The ASBP is responsible for providing blood and blood products to deployed service members in the heart of the battlefield. The ASBP also provides blood for service members and their families back home and in military treatment facilities around the globe. In cases of natural disasters or other catastrophes, the ASBP is called upon to serve civilians in need. Anyone receiving blood or blood products in a combat area will receive blood transported by the ASBP.
Be A Donor
The ASBP is a program comprised of dedicated men and women, service members, family members, retirees, veterans, federal employees, and others with a commitment to saving lives worldwide.
Our donors are the heart of our program. Without donors taking the time to come in and donate and on a regular basis, the ASBP cannot stand ready for our mission of supporting military health care operations worldwide with a steady supply of quality blood products.
Your interest in donating for our military community is appreciated.
Since 1952, the ASBP has provided more than 1.5 million units of blood to treat battlefield illnesses and injuries.
Your Donation Saves Lives
Blood is a fascinating substance. It rejuvenates itself while also carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It can be donated and the body will still have plenty. It’s a helper and a healer.
A blood donation, whether in the form of whole blood, platelets, or plasma, can be thought of as a medical treatment just like medicine. It helps the burn victim heal tissue, the cancer patient combat diseased cells, and the trauma victim stay alive. To learn more about what your blood is made up of, why there are different types, and what your blood type can do for others, visit the About Blood page.
Ready To Donate?
Did you know that of the 38% of individuals in the U.S. that are eligible to donate, only 3% do? The ASBP is hoping you can help change that percentage. Donating on a frequent basis can make blood shortages become a thing of the past. Every type is needed. Every blood product is needed.
Are you thinking about giving a standard donation (whole blood) or even an apheresis donation (platelets, plasma, or red cells)? Consider looking into how each of these are used and what eligibility is required. Visit our About Blood page to find out more.
Blood product safety is always a top concern. Therefore, the FDA sets requirements to keep blood safe and regulates blood program organizations, including the ASBP. Because of these requirements, not everyone can donate. Some requirements for donating only defer an individual temporarily, while others may be indefinite.
Basic eligibility and common deferrals, both dealing with medical or travel, can be found on our Can I Donate page.
