With sign-ups starting on November 9, the Friesen Center will be hosting a blood drive on November 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The university partners with the American Red Cross every year for multiple events with the purpose of seeking out donations.

Students and those in the community that are interested in donating blood have several options for giving.

There will be a booth set up in the dining commons for walk-in appointments. There is also sign up available online atwww.givelife.org. Sign up slots span from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Last year, the generosity of those donating exceeded expectations.

The university donated 240 units of blood.

To put this in perspective, each unit of blood can help up to three people. This means that with the combined donations of blood, the university was able to help around 720 people that were in need.

Donating blood is a safe process that allows the participant to act as a hero to someone in need.

Every donation counts.

According to the American Red Cross Association, approximately 500 units of blood need to be collected every day to meet the hospital needs in our area. Every two seconds, someone receives blood.

Sarah Gruenewald, senior student director of the Friesen Center, challenges students to “get pumped and help the Friesen center beat their record of 71 units.”

She said that “participating in the blood drive is a simple way to make a real difference.”